Share Magical Moments at The Puppet Showplace Theatre
Make fun memories at the PST ~
A Unique Boston Treasure ~
First Encounters with Imagination
For the first 4-1/2 years of my daughter's life, my family and I lived around the corner from an amazing place that enchanted my daughter from her first step through the door. She was enthralled by the life-like characters with human voices that acted out stories on three-dimensional sets. The types of stories ranged from tales about dragons, kings, and princesses, to pirates, grandmothers who tell stories about the Underground Railroad using quilt squares, and endangered species.
Professional Puppeteers Create Enchanting Worlds for their Audiences ~
The craftsmanship of the puppeteers in the creation of their puppets and sets reflects loving attention to detail. Some sets have several layers that the puppets travel between when the action picks up. The costuming and props are as meticulously planned and used in each performance to the most magical effect. Adults are as enthralled by each show as the children are.
Location ~
The Puppet Showplace Theatre is located at Brookline Village, in Brookline, MA. The MBTA green line "D" trolley stops directly in front of it. A couple of blocks down the street there is a community park where groups of children can enjoy running around and playing before or after the show. If the weather does not allow for a play date outside, the Kookoo Cafe up the hill is a great place to eat lunch and play games.
Features ~
When you walk into the door of the Puppet Showplace Theatre you see a wide open space with a small puppet show station for children to enjoy using quietly while they wait their turn to walk into the theater. There are shelves of books, props, and puppets for children to take home to make shows with themselves. Marionettes, finger puppets, and realistic hand puppets are among them. Small theatres for budding young puppeteers are also sold there. There are also shelves of books for parents to read to younger siblings. A table to the side holds sheets of paper that provide the upcoming schedule of shows each month. This often helped me plan show attendance around special occasions, such as birthdays and Valentine's Day.
An Interactive Experience ~
When children walk into the theatre, they give their tickets to one of the greeters and are invited to sit down on a long cushioned bench with their friends. One of the greeters speaks to the children about the rules for polite conduct, and the show begins.
Many times, the featured puppeteer is also talented in other arts, such as music. One couple plays instruments and sings songs to set the tone for the story that is about to unfold. They often invite the audience to sing along. When the show is in progress, the puppets often speak with the children to find out what they think should be done about a problem that may present itself in the plot.
The Puppet Showplace Theatre is an Excellent Place for a Party!
The Puppet Showplace Theatre is Unique ~
- Puppet Showplace Theatre ~ Home Page
The Puppet Showplace Theatre offers puppet shows to groups of children ages 3 and up. They perform for school groups, scout groups, etc., and offer fabulously fun birthday party packages.
Visiting with the Puppeteers
After the show has concluded and the applause has quieted, the puppeteers often step down from the stage and give their audience a chance to meet them, and their favorite puppet characters. Children are given time to ask questions about how the puppets are made, or about one of the moments in the show that intrigued them. Adults often ask questions, too.
Annual Day of Puppetry ~
Every year, a group of puppeteers hosts a Day of Puppetry. Children are given materials and some directions to make puppets simple puppets of their own, and parade them up and down Station Street. My daughter made a frog from paper and a sock puppet, both of which she still plays with.
Host a Birthday Party at the Puppet Showplace Theatre ~
Finally, hosting a birthday party is the ultimate in the festive celebrations. The child-of-honor and his or her guests are given a private show, and the lobby is reserved for games, cake, and favors. My daughter attended a friend's birthday party there, and was given 2 cloth hand puppets to play with ~ a chicken and an alligator. They are durable, washable, and ready to make memories with for years.
♥ The PST is the place to go for wholesome family entertainment that appeals to a variety of ages. Pleas stop by when you are in Boston! ♥
A Homemade Puppet Demonstration
The Place to find the Puppet Showplace Theatre
A unique professional puppet theatre that appeals to the child in everyone!
A unique cafe that serves seasonal food and drinks. It's a small, intimate place to enjoy lunch with a friend, and provides shelves of books and toys.
A cheerful place to take yoga classes or to host a festive gathering.
Located on the other side of the trolley stop from the PST, the New England Soup Factory serves both hot and cold soups that satisfy all year round.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2012 Karen A Szklany