Cute little creatures! 🥰

This weekend, join us for Sugar Stories — a wooden marionette show about cute little gliding possums who go on sweet and simple adventures —  by Sunny Side of the Street Theater on Sunday & Monday, Oct 11 & 12!

Plus, stay after the show to enjoy a possum headband craft inspired by the show, as well as a dress-up station, coloring sheets, and more!

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Summer Outdoor Series | Shows for Families on the Boston Common
Mainstage | Shows for Kids & Families
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Oct 11
Sugar Stories by Sunny Side of the Street Theater

Oct 11 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am

A wooden marionette show about cute little gliding possums who go on sweet and simple adventures!

Recommended for ages 4 - 8
Marionettes in a table-top toy theater, with miniature scenery

Read more →
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Oct 12
Sugar Stories by Sunny Side of the Street Theater

Oct 12 (Mon) 2026: 10:30 am — Indigenous Peoples' Day!

A wooden marionette show about cute little gliding possums who go on sweet and simple adventures!

Recommended for ages 4 - 8
Marionettes in a table-top toy theater, with miniature scenery

Read more →
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Oct 18
The Loose Caboose by Harry LaCoste

Oct 18 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

When his caboose is stranded, a train engineer discovers puppet characters and enchanting musical stories inside a suitcase!

Recommended for ages 3 - 7
Hand puppets, live music, and more

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Oct 24
The Four Seasons by Drama of Works

Oct 24 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

Classical music, plus lots of gentle humor, bring to life this beautifully illustrated story of seasonal change and a parent-child relationship.

Recommended for ages 3 - 8
Toy theater (flat tabletop puppets)

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Oct 25
The Four Seasons by Drama of Works

Oct 25 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

Classical music, plus lots of gentle humor, bring to life this beautifully illustrated story of seasonal change and a parent-child relationship.

Recommended for ages 3 - 8
Toy theater (flat tabletop puppets)

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Oct 31
Lisa the Wise: A Baba Yaga Story by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

Oct 31 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

When Lisa, a brave young girl with a heart of gold, meets Baba Yaga, the most famous witch in the woods, an epic battle of wits ensues.

Recommended for ages 4 - 10
Shadow puppetry

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Nov 1
Lisa the Wise: A Baba Yaga Story by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

Nov 1 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

When Lisa, a brave young girl with a heart of gold, meets Baba Yaga, the most famous witch in the woods, an epic battle of wits ensues.

Recommended for ages 4 - 10
Shadow puppetry

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Nov 3
The Loose Caboose by Harry LaCoste

Nov 3 (Tue) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm — Election Day!

When his caboose is stranded, a train engineer discovers puppet characters and enchanting musical stories inside a suitcase!

Recommended for ages 3 - 7
Hand puppets, live music, and more

Read more →
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Nov 7
The Breakfast Show by Nate Puppets

Showtimes and tickets coming soon!

A puppet show all about making art, following your dreams, and not letting people tell you “no.”

Recommended for ages 5 - 9
Hand puppets

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Nov 11
Dig Down Deep: A Cave Adventure by CactusHead Puppets — World Premiere!

Nov 11 (Wed) 2026: 2:00 pm | 4:00 pm — Veteran’s Day!

Bats! Fish! Salamanders! Caves are awesome and full of cool creatures and beautiful rocks. And best of all, caves never change — at least that’s what Jamie thinks.

Be among the first to see this world premiere from CactusHead Puppets — known for their delightful shows of mixed puppetry styles, like Magnificent Monster Circus and The Bremen Town Musicians!

Recommended for ages 5 - 9
Tabletop and shadow puppetry

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Nov 14
Dig Down Deep: A Cave Adventure by CactusHead Puppets — World Premiere!

Nov 14 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am

Bats! Fish! Salamanders! Caves are awesome and full of cool creatures and beautiful rocks. And best of all, caves never change — at least that’s what Jamie thinks.

Be among the first to see this world premiere from CactusHead Puppets — known for their delightful shows of mixed puppetry styles, like Magnificent Monster Circus and The Bremen Town Musicians!

Recommended for ages 5 - 9
Tabletop and shadow puppetry

Read more →
Dig-Down-Deep_Promo2-close-crop.jpg
Nov 15
Dig Down Deep: A Cave Adventure by CactusHead Puppets — World Premiere!

Nov 15 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am

Bats! Fish! Salamanders! Caves are awesome and full of cool creatures and beautiful rocks. And best of all, caves never change — at least that’s what Jamie thinks.

Be among the first to see this world premiere from CactusHead Puppets — known for their delightful shows of mixed puppetry styles, like Magnificent Monster Circus and The Bremen Town Musicians!

Recommended for ages 5 - 9
Tabletop and shadow puppetry

Read more →
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Nov 21
NEST: A Multilingual Story for Ages 1 – 6 by Happy Theater

Nov 21 (Sat) 2026: 9:30 am | 11:30 am

A baby bird goes on a voyage of growth, flight, and the changing seasons in this heartwarming story in English, Spanish, French, and Russian!

Recommended for ages 1 - 6
Hand puppetry and live music

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Nov 22
NEST: A Multilingual Story for Ages 1 – 6 by Happy Theater

Nov 22 (Sun) 2026: 9:30 am | 11:30 am

A baby bird goes on a voyage of growth, flight, and the changing seasons in this heartwarming story in English, Spanish, French, and Russian!

Recommended for ages 1 - 6
Hand puppetry and live music

Read more →
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Nov 27
Cinderella by Tanglewood Marionettes

Nov 27 (Fri) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm — Black Friday!

The classic story of a young woman whose good heart transports her from rags to royalty, with a few unexpected twists!

Recommended for ages 4 – 8
Marionettes

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Nov 28
Cinderella by Tanglewood Marionettes

Nov 28 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm

The classic story of a young woman whose good heart transports her from rags to royalty, with a few unexpected twists!

Recommended for ages 4 – 8
Marionettes

Read more →
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Nov 29
Cinderella by Tanglewood Marionettes

Nov 29 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

The classic story of a young woman whose good heart transports her from rags to royalty, with a few unexpected twists!

Recommended for ages 4 – 8
Marionettes

Read more →
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Dec 5
The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets

Dec 4 (Fri) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

The classic story of a little running cookie — with an interactive, Christmas twist.

Recommended for ages 3 - 6
Hand puppets

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Dec 6
The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets

Dec 6 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

The classic story of a little running cookie — with an interactive, Christmas twist.

Recommended for ages 3 - 6
Hand puppets

Read more →
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Dec 11
The Troll that Stole Hanukkah by WonderSpark Puppets

Dec 11 (Fri) 2026: 4:00 pm

It's a Hanukkah emergency! When a fuzzy troll steals the Rabbi's menorah, it's up to the most unlikely person to get it back.

All ages welcome, recommended for ages 3 - 8
Hand Puppetry

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Dec 12
The Troll that Stole Hanukkah by WonderSpark Puppets

Dec 12 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

It's a Hanukkah emergency! When a fuzzy troll steals the Rabbi's menorah, it's up to the most unlikely person to get it back.

All ages welcome, recommended for ages 3 - 8
Hand Puppetry

Read more →
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Dec 13
The Troll that Stole Hanukkah by WonderSpark Puppets

Dec 13 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm

It's a Hanukkah emergency! When a fuzzy troll steals the Rabbi's menorah, it's up to the most unlikely person to get it back.

All ages welcome, recommended for ages 3 - 8
Hand Puppetry

Read more →
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Dec 18
The Holiday Sing-Along! by Sarah Nolen & Phil Berman

Dec 18 (Fri) 2026: 4:00 pm (PWYC)

Celebrate the season with a family-friendly variety show, with live music you can sing along to and plenty of puppets!

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 2 - 9
Mixed puppetry styles and live music

Read more →
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Dec 19
The Holiday Sing-Along! by Sarah Nolen & Phil Berman

Dec 19 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00pm 

Celebrate the season with a family-friendly variety show, with live music you can sing along to and plenty of puppets!

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 2 - 9
Mixed puppetry styles and live music

Read more →
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Dec 20
The Holiday Sing-Along! by Sarah Nolen & Phil Berman

Dec 20 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00pm

Celebrate the season with a family-friendly variety show, with live music you can sing along to and plenty of puppets!

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 2 - 9
Mixed puppetry styles and live music

Read more →

More Mainstage shows coming soon! Stay tuned for our fall season.

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Kids Puppetry Workshops & Vacation week Programs
Puppets at Night | Shows and Classes for Adults & Teens
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Oct 15
Shadow Puppetry 101: Class with Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion — CANCELED

Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12 (Thurs) 2026 | 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

What do translucent buffalo hides and overhead projectors have in common? Find out (and make your own puppet!) in this introductory level class.

Recommended for adults and teens 16+

Read more →
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Nov 6
An Evening with Mr. Vernon Watercress by Nate Puppets

Nov 6 (Fri) 2026: 8:00pm

What if a fuzzy hand puppet could make you face your own humanity and reconcile with a tragic and horrific past? Plus, a splash of Broadway and jazz standards!

Recommended for ages 16+
Hand puppets

Read more →
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Nov 7
I Love Puppets, But Hate Sewing! A Puppet Sculpting Workshop with Nate Puppets

Nov 7 (Sat) 2026 | 2:00pm - 5:00 pm

Armed with a trusty glue gun, you will learn the basics of Nate Puppets’ personal puppet making techniques, including foam sculpture, fabric patching, on-the-fly changes, and "the secret crust."

Recommended for adults 18+

Read more →
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Nov 12
Shadow Puppetry 101: Class with Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12 (Thurs) 2026 | 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

What do translucent buffalo hides and overhead projectors have in common? Find out (and make your own puppet!) in this introductory level class.

Recommended for adults and teens 16+

Read more →
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Nov 14
Fall Puppet Slam

Nov 14 (Sat) 2026: 8:00 pm

Join us for an evening of short-form puppetry for adults, featuring a range of puppetry styles and a guaranteed good time.

Recommended for adults and teens 16+
Mixed puppetry styles

Read more →
News & Blog Posts
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The New England Theatre Geek, “Slapstick reverie: ‘Death and the Fool: A Tarot-Inspired Medieval Folly’”

“Death, the Fool eventually learns, is inevitable, so why not make merry and dance our way to the end?”

Read more →
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The Boston Globe, “For Black puppeteers, the hardest part wasn’t the craft, it was finding each other”

The Boston Globe spoke with CRBP leadership team about the residency program.

Read more →
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Majeedah Johnson | CRBP Artist Spotlight

“The Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers is a heart-centered community. I am grateful for the dialogue, constructive feedback and support from this incredible group,” says Majeedah

Read more →
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Danyett Tucker | CRBP Artist Spotlight

“Being inspired by other brilliant black artists has been the most rewarding and beneficial part of this experience. I’m a sponge and a lifelong learner. Everything they are doing gets me excited,” says Danyett

Read more →
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Beyonce Armstrong | CRBP Artist Spotlight

“The residency validated that puppetry can be a serious tool for examining power and telling stories that matter to our communities,'‘ says Beyonce.

Read more →
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Samuel J. Lewis, II | CRBP Artist Spotlight

“It is such a pleasure to get to know other Black puppeteers, witness the breadth and diversity of our practices, and create in proximity to each other,” says Samuel.

Read more →
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The Harvard Crimson, “Puppet Showplace Theater’s ‘Rapunzel’: Slapstick Comedy Shines in a Dynamic Medium”

“While this production was advertised for young children, the creativity and ingenuity of the adaptation had something to offer for everyone.”

Read more →
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Brookline News, “Duck on hand, a Brookline puppeteer tackles life, death and politics”

“People think that puppets are just for kids,” Dr. Linn told Brookline News.. “But it’s a really powerful medium that can be both very funny and very moving all at the same time.”

Read more →
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The New England Theatre Geek, “We Didn’t Start the Fire. The Princess Did. Because She’s Petty: ‘The Fiery Mountain and Its Princess’”

 “The show gave its viewers a kind of intergenerational abundance, in which culture, humor, and shared humanity are passed from one place to another, one generation to the next,” wrote Lu.

Read more →
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Sampan "Hand in Glove" — Featuring "The Fiery Mountain and Its Princess"

Recently, Sampan, the only bilingual Chinese-English Newspaper in New England, spoke with Margaret Moody and Madeleine Beresford of Galapagos Puppets, as well as musician Jimmy Zhao, about their upcoming show The Fiery Mountain and Its Princess: A Monkey King Tale.

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Meet the Artists of the 2026 Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers

We are thrilled to officially announce the artists of Puppet Showplace Theater’s 2026 Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers!

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Tricky Riddles, Haitian Folklore, & An Adventurous World Premiere!

On November 15 & 16, 2025, families and puppetry-lovers filled Puppet Showplace with chatter and laughter, gathered for the world premiere of Jokes with Josue + The Tales of Turtle Boy.

Read more →
 

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Our Mission

Puppet Showplace Theater is dedicated to presenting outstanding puppetry to diverse audiences through performances, workshops, and community outreach activities.

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Puppet Showplace Theater is supported by...

 

Puppet Showplace Theater is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts through the New England Arts Resilience Fund, part of the United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund, an initiative of the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations and the Mellon Foundation, with major funding from the federal CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan from the National Endowment for the Arts.