Eric J. Van Wyk received his M.F.A. in Scenic Design from the University of Maryland-College Park and his B.A. in Fine Arts from Dordt University and has studied puppetry and movement with Sandglass Theatre. His puppetry and scenic designs have been featured at Open Eye Figure Theatre, Children’s Theatre Co., Imagination Stage, The National Theatre in Washington, D.C., The White House, The Washington Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet and The Hong Kong Ballet. His company WonderStruck Theatre Co. created Mop Dog and received two Jim Henson grants; including one for The Elephant speaks Jazz’s world premiere. His designs for The Big Friendly Giant received a Helen Hayes Award, and he thanks his family for their inspiration.