Q: What’s the difference between a “puppet” and a “marionette?”
A: “Puppet” is a generic or family name for any object animated by hand, string, rod, with photography or through shadow.  A “marionette” is specifically a puppet operated by strings or rods from above the stage.

Q: How long does it take to make a puppet?
A: At the Puppet Co., we rarely make one puppet at a time, and there are several people working on each puppet at various stages of its creation. On average, we estimate about 2 – 2 1/2 weeks per character.

Q: Who makes the puppets?
A: Allan Stevens, Christopher Piper, MayField Piper, and Eric Brooks all have a hand in it. Allan and Christopher do most of the sculpting, MayField is best at puppet finishes to get that smooth look, and she also sews the beautiful costumes Allan designs. Christopher does most of the mechanics that make puppets move, with the help of Eric. Eric does most of the building of the scenery Allan designs.

Q: How does someone get started in Puppetry?
A: It probably depends on when in your life you are starting. If you are asking, you were probably not born to puppeteer parents, as Christopher Piper was. Allan Stevens got started when he was five years old and tried to make his first puppet. MayField Piper started when she married Christopher and took to it like a duck to water. Eric Brooks is the only one at the Puppet Co. that actually went to school (University of Connecticut) to study puppetry. At the Puppet Co. we all both build puppets and perform with them. This is true of most puppet troupes. Some companies buy puppets to perform with, some companies just make puppets (usually extremely expensive) for others. The most important thing is a very strong interest in puppetry, and the drive to learn and do as much as possible.

Q:  Do you give classes in Puppetry?
A: Yes. We offer classes in making simple puppets.  Get on our mailing list, or click here to see the current offering.

Q: Why can’t I make an unpaid reservation anymore?
A: We had unpaid reservations for 20 years, and long after they were dropped by other theaters. Unfortunately, too many reservations were not picked up, denying others patrons seats we could have sold. We think the new ticketing system will actually add flexibility since patrons can get up-to-the-minute information on ticket availability for any given show online, and get a guaranteed admission to the show of their choice.

Q: Why do I have to pay a service fee of $2.00 for each ticket I purchase online, or on the phone?
We now use a ticketing service which helps us keep track of all the programs now offer, and lets our patrons purchase online anytime, night or day. This has greatly alleviated the phone congestion which was causing so many problems in the past. We could have hired someone in-house, and added more phones, but that would have forced us to increase the ticket prices. Those wishing to bypass the added convenience of online ticketing, and the resulting fee, can buy their tickets in-person at the box office, with no added charge.

Q: Why do you have so many rules?  It is a children’s theater, after all.
A: Our concerns are the safely of all patrons, and an atmosphere in which everyone can see and hear the show. The rules are a code for simple courtesy. Even children are expected speak only in whispers, if at all, and not to stand up or walk around the theater during the performance. Exits and walkways need to be kept clear so no-one trips or falls over a little one in the dark. For a list of the rules and video about theater etiquette for kids, click here.  If you do not think your child can sit still and be attentive for our main stage shows, you might consider our Tiny Tots @ 10:00 program, in which the rules are relaxed a bit for very young children.

Q:  Do I have to sit on the floor?
A: If you are a child, yes.  Seating is primarily on the very soft, padded carpet,  to allow adults and children to sit close together as much as possible (we call it family room style), without chair backs spoiling the view of the stage.  There are benches around the perimeter of the theater for adults who cannot, or prefer not to, sit on the carpet. Babies, of course, may sit on the laps of their parents on the benches.  Bench seating is on a “priority basis” not unlike Metrorail.  Grandparents and others in need have priority over younger adults.