PUPPETS

They laugh, they dance, they cry, they sing, they talk. THEY TELL!

They come in countless sizes and shapes. They’re controlled by many different means -from string and rods to bare hands.   However, while every puppet is a unique object, designed by an artist, they all share in the depth of their feelings, happiness and struggles. Their stories are the most complete record of our history.

Our MISSION

PuppetART’s mission is to explore a variety of cultures and to foster an appreciation of the wisdom of traditions, the beauty of the spirit, and the art of diverse communities through puppet performances, exhibits, and classes.

PuppetART’s philosophy celebrates cultural diversity and values artistic professionalism. PuppetART presentations draw on all art forms to give voice to the wisdom and teachings of the world’s diverse cultures through their folk tales. PuppetART has harnessed the power of this unique artistic medium, puppetry, into powerfully effective communication and teaching vehicle, especially for young people.

Our VISION

Is to become a center for puppetry activities in SE Michigan, a valuable member of

the area's artistic community, an important part in the aesthetic education of area youth,

and a significant influence upon cultural development in metropolitan Detroit.

Puppetry is found in every culture throughout the world. It has a long history that dates back thousands of years. From the dawn of human memory, puppetry has been a story-teller and entertainer; a way to speak to gods and to pass down the wisdom and traditions of people through generations. Every puppet show is a home for all art forms: two-dimensional background, three-dimensional puppets, music, dancing, singing, and literature – any story, be it poetry or political satire, all art forms found home in every puppet show.
 

To our Friends and Supporters,

PuppetART can not weather the pandemic without your support. PuppetART is just one of many performing arts organizations affected by the pandemic and our supporters are unique!

We gratefully acknowledge the critical help we have received. It allows us to support our artists and meet our fixed financial commitments as well as prepare for a time in the near future, when we can meet again in person. With your critical assistance PuppetART will survive through these difficult present times and in the future.

CFSEM,
Culture Source · Michigan Humanity Council
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,
National Endowment for the Arts · Oakland County

Vince Paul, Music Hall’s President & Artistic Director, notes that “as the downtown area real estate
becomes increasingly in demand, it’s imperative that our city’s non-commercial performing artists
be able to continue to present their work in the heart of the Entertainment District.
The artists of PuppetART create top-notch, finely crafted work that has been entertaining
children and families for some twenty years, and Music Hall is thrilled
to be able to help them sustain their success.”

PUPPETART, DETROIT PUPPET THEATER, HAS BEEN ENTERTAINING
AND EDUCATING CHILDREN AND ADULTS FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS THROUGH ITS
THEATER, STUDIO, AND MUSEUM.  

PUPPETART OFFERS PERFORMANCES, PUPPETRY CLASSES, AND MUSEUM EXHIBITS
THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN AREA. 
COME EXPLORE THE MAGIC OF PUPPETRY!

" pup·pet·ry

... the art of operating puppets, typically either by strings or rods controlled or by hand.
... theater for children featuring dance, puppetry, and music.

PuppetART presents a repertoire of original performances based on fairy tales and folktales
from around the world.

Follow us as we perform around the town!

Schedule a performance for your school or group to experience the magic of puppetry first hand.

Puppetry has two roots

SPIRITUAL & EDUCATIONAL.

Necessity to speak to divine power brought out totem & idols.
To pass along knowledge and wisdom people created puppets.
 

PuppetART’s museum presents puppets from around the world as well as puppets related to the history of puppetry in Detroit. We invite you to explore our collection of puppets from all over the world and discover the history and artistic value each piece holds.

What our PATRONS HAD TO SAY:

PuppetART is a proud member of: