About the
Melikin Puppet Theatre
Mel Biske (aka Mr. Melikin) grew up in Chicago. He did all the things kids do: went to school, played baseball with the neighborhood kids and joined the Cub Scouts. It was here that he was first bitten by the puppetry bug. For a Family Night, he and his parents put together a puppet show – a variety show pantomimed to songs of the day. Apparently, it was a hit, because other scout troupes asked him to perform at their meetings.
During his high school days, he put the puppets away and pursued other activities like art. He considered a career as an art teacher. Photography was also an interest of Mel’s and went to work at a camera shop in the Brighton Park area where he lived. He didn’t know it yet but these passions would serve him well later in life. It was here that he would meet (through a blind date) the love of his life, LaVerne.
After college the Army came calling and he served his time and country stateside. Once release from his duty, he went to work for a photo finishing company, got engaged and eventually married LaVerne (aka Mrs. Melikin) who was now working as nurse full time.
Some managers at the photo finishing company heard that Mel “dabbled” in puppetry and asked him to put together some promotional shows for conventions. This of course rekindled his love for the craft and after consulting with puppeteers in the Chicagoland area he was encouraged to pursue his passion: “If it doesn’t work out you can always go back to a real job.” Fortunately for thousands of children (and adults, too) it did indeed work out.
Previously he was working under the company name of Biske Puppeteers but he felt “Biske” sounded too harsh from the stage. He came up with another name for the new puppet theatre by taking his first name and combining it with the suffix “ikin” meaning any small or inanimate object and the Melikins were born.
For 54 years, the Melikins toured the schools, libraries and park districts in the Chicago area and across the country. They had the honor of performing at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Youtheater program for 25 years, The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Indianapolis Children’s Museum, as well as several regional and national puppet festivals. During that time, LaVerne served as assistant puppeteer and company manager. When they were old enough – and tall enough – Neal and Jeff worked shows with Mel. Even a couple of the Grandchildren got into the act. Michael and Nicolette performed several shows with “Grandpa Melikin.”
Sadly, in March of 2021, Mrs. Melikin passed away and Mr. Melikin passed in March of 2026. Although Neal and Jeff worked with Mr. Melikin for decades, they decided not to follow in his footsteps. This was a difficult decision for the family. Yet they felt that these shows must still be worked. The Melikin Puppet Theatre can go on, albeit with different company names and puppeteers.