The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center kicks off its summer series with its National Puppetry Conference, and this annual event delves into all aspects of the art of puppetry.

Puppeteers gather at the Waterford-based center to learn about everything from writing for puppet theater to music for puppet theater. And then they give public performances, which are stunning examples of how artists can move inanimate objects in a way that makes them seem emotional and funny and dramatic — full of life and full of character. You’ll be amazed.

This kicks off the O’Neill’s series of summer conferences, which feature the National Playwrights Conference, the National Music Theater Conference, and the Cabaret & Performance Conference. Theater and cabaret fans, buy your performance tickets now.

— Kristina Dorsey

National Puppetry Conference performances, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Great Neck Road, Waterford; $28; (860) 443-1238.