Puppet Showplace Theater

Brookline, United States

4.3

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 617-731-6400
Website:
www.puppetshowplace.org
Address:
32 Station St, Brookline, MA, 02445
Brookline Village
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
150 ftBrookline Village
180 ftBrookline Village Station - Outbound
420 ftWashington St @ Pearl St
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Brookline) 1:03 PM Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Puppet Showplace Theater is New England’s only professional year-​round theater dedicated to presenting live puppetry. Each year, we present over 300 performances by professional puppet companies to audiences in our Brookline Village theater. Our touring shows travel to schools, libraries, and cultural centers throughout the Northeast region. We offer workshops, classes, summer camps, and training opportunities to both children and adults, and we partner with emerging artists to develop new work. We share our passion for puppetry as a vital, living art form and strive to engage audiences of all ages abilities and backgrounds. We support the use of puppetry for entertainment, in education, and as a means of creative self-​expression. Experience the world of puppetry in Brookline Village today, please visit our website for a complete schedule!

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History

Established in 1974.

Puppet Showplace Theatre was founded in 1974 by visionary educator and puppeteer Mary Churchill. Mary saw puppetry as a powerful medium for teaching children, stimulating their creativity, and introducing them to the experience of live theatre.

Award-​winning artist Paul Vincent Davis became Artist in Residence in 1977 until his retirement in 2007. Davis continues to serve on the board of trustees and as a mentor for current Artist in Residence Brad Shur.

In addition to performances for families and school groups, Puppet Showplace is credited with creating the first adult «puppet slam,» a cabaret-​style of short form puppet theatre now popular across the U.S.

The theatre has also demonstrated a commitment to educating the next generation of puppetry artists through workshops, residencies, camps, classes and professional development opportunities for artists.

As «New England’s Puppet Theatre», Puppet Showplace welcomes over 22,500 patrons each year.

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20 reviews of Puppet Showplace Theater

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Brookline, MA
This past weekend we were so lucky to have Brad Shur’s «Cardboard Explosion!» performance for our son’s 5th birthday party, it was the best birthday party and the show was one of the most amazing, interactive and funny performances we have every attended.
Thank-​you to the staff and Brad Shur for the amazing experience that I know my son will always remember and love.
Place rating: 1
Ashland, MA
Here’s my story in a nutshell…
I purchased tickets for the 3pm Peter Rabbit show for Saturday, April 04. My daughter was very excited about the show. This was going to be our first visit to The Puppet Theater. We drove from Metrowest to Brookline, and due to traffic we were late to the show.
Upon arrival the person at the box office informed us that there are no seats available in the theater and since we are late, our seats were given to someone else. This policy is not communicated in the terms and conditions section or anywhere else. I had a very upset child, so I decided to not create a scene and turn around and drive home.
I knew other parents at the show and decided to text message them. They informed me there was plenty of seating near them. My friends spoke with the person at the box office after the show to get me a refund. They were told we were turn around because we were late. Apart from this is not what was communicated to me, again where is this policy communicated?
I understand it is the customer’s responsibility to be at the show on-​time. But as a customer, I expect your organization to have some professionalism in communicating your policies and procedures ahead of time. If they are not written anywhere, I assume these policies don’t exist and you’re employees are making policies at their convenience. Therefore, it was wrong of the person at the box office to give pre-​purchased seats to someone else (if that story was in fact true) or even turn people around because they are late. Moreover, if I knew this policy ahead, I would have turn around and go back home.
As a courtesy to your customers, please communicate your latent policies to your customers ahead of time.
Place rating: 5
Roslindale, MA
We became members because we go to so many shows and the quality is so high. Most recently, Lollipops for Breakfast which was excellent. I love the size of the theater, and specific seating for kiddos. Our children have had a lot of fun at a few birthday parties there too. So glad we have this!
Place rating: 5
Somerville, MA
I’ve being bringing my 7 year old son to PST since he was 3. We both love the cozy theater. The staff are welcoming and the shows are always a hit for my son and I’m pleased to say every other show has me giggling too.
As for the puppet slams… PST’s artist director seems to do a good job at curating them but since the whole point of a slam is to try new things and take chances you should expect a blend of bland and brilliance.
Place rating: 4
Quincy, MA
I had a great time attending a puppet show (The Joshua Show) at Puppet Showplace on Sunday.
I wish my god-​kids lived in MA so I could bring them here!
The ticket prices were reasonable.
As others have mentioned, they seat adults on the sides of rows, so the kids can see.
I sat in the back but still had a great view of the stage.
The theater is small but there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
The theater staff run through «what is expected watching a puppet show?» with the kids before the show — which was pretty cute.
There’s also an easy exit in case your child gets fussy & re-​entry is allowed (if they calm back down).
Place rating: 5
Brookline, MA
This is one of my favorite places for weekend activities with my son. Love the cozy atmosphere of a small theater, and the shows are perfect for my toddler, he keeps asking me to go back!
Place rating: 5
Manhattan, NY
i loooovvveee this organization!
Place rating: 4
Woburn, MA
went with my 3.5 y.o. and his friend to see Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Nice amateur-​like cozy theater. The lady was singing, playing guitar and doing all the show quite smoothly. Except for several high pitch screams she made (quite shocking to the audience full of little kids) the show was very appropriate and entertaining for the range from 3 to 7. Area to improve = waiting area. packed with kids and parents before the door opened to get everyone seated. Show started ~5 min late (not a big deal). Time well spent!
Place rating: 3
West Roxbury, MA
I’m disappointed because I really wanted to love this charming little theater in our neighborhood. We took our 3 year old for a Christmas Eve show and I knew it was probably going to be packed. However, never having been there before, I wasn’t prepared for how uncomfortable it would be and that the kids have to wait so long for the show to start. The show started late (was supposed to start at 10:30) but they start seating at 10:15. We got there just after 10 thinking we would grab our pre-​ordered tickets, wait in an orderly line, and head in for a seat. We got there and the tiny waiting area was packed. We got our tickets and joined the growing mob of anxious kids and their parents ready to race for a seat on a bench. Why can’t people just head in as they get their tickets? You have to literally push your way in and some of the adults are ridiculous about it. Once inside, the theater is tiny and very very cramped. It’s very stuffy. By 10:30 my toddler was getting antsy. Finally, at about 10:40, I thought the show was starting but it was the staff of the puppet theater making general announcements ranging from a membership push to a lecture about no photography, etc. — JUST START THE SHOW before my kid loses it and this will all be a waste of time! When «Santa Mouse» finally began, it wasn’t at all what I thought it would be from the website description. I thought it was going to be the story of Santa Mouse but it lasted about 3 minutes and then the remaining 40 minutes were a combination of yuletide songs and dancing puppets (many with the puppeteer on stage). Not horrible but not great either. I will say that the Exec Director and a Board Member were on hand handing out free treats for the kiddos after the show and were very nice and welcoming. The staff however, were fairly unfriendly at times.
Place rating: 1
Boston, MA
I attended the July 23rd Puppet Slam and was very disappointed.
First off, there was no A/​C in the place and it was uncomfortable as hell.
The staff was apologetic but also reminded the audience to make donations so that a A/​C could be purchased about 2 – 3 times between each act.
About the acts: The Puppet Slam is billed as an adult show. I didn’t experience anything of the kind and it was definitely appropriate for kids-​if not more so. Most of the acts was not particular clever or provocative. Between the temperature and the mostly lame performances, I could not wait to leave.
Also 15 dollars is a bit pricey for what they offered.
So by all means, take your kids during the day but don’t be fooled by the Puppet Slam for «adults».
Place rating: 5
Cambridge, MA
Cute little venue for showing puppet theater. Most of their shows are geared towards children, but in particular once a season they host the ‘PuppetSLAM’ which is geared more towards adults, and draws upon comedy, drama, slapstick, and external technologies such as the incorporation of video.
Definitely a must-​see!
Place rating: 5
Auburndale, MA
Puppet Showplace Theater is just as fun for adults as it is for children. A few Saturday nights year they hold a «PuppetSLAM». These are a series of short mini-​plays involving puppets that can be dramatic, comedic, or usually, a combination of both. My favorite troupe is called The Littles. They’re a muppet-​esque group of puppets that are always hysterical.
There’s bench-​style seating that’s obviously meant for children, so it can be kind of uncomfortable to sit there for two hours even with an intermission. The shows are always so enjoyable, though, that it’s worth a little discomfort.
Place rating: 5
Cambridge, MA
Super place for kids to see a great puppet show and learn the ropes of being part of an audience. The little ones really love it and it’s much better than TV.
Place rating: 5
Rochester, NY
I love to bring my kids (ages 4 and 6) here! The people who run this theatre and the puppeteers really get into their craft. The way the seating is done is very smart… adults sit on the ends so the kids don’t get blocked by a tall person sitting in front of them! Ticket prices are very reasonable, it’s a fun family outing! We are very lucky to have a place like this so local!
Place rating: 5
Arlington, MA
My children (ages 2 and 4) loved the puppet show. We saw Jack and the Beanstalk. We got there late and had to sit in the way back, but they could still see fine. We will definitely go back!
Place rating: 4
Framingham, MA
We just had our 5-​year old’s b-​day party here and it was a big hit. Very different from all of the gym/​bouncy castle/​art parties we are always attending… The show was fantastic and mesmerizing for the kids ages 2 – 7 and we had plenty of time and space for our after-​party of pizza and cake in the cool puppet-​filled lobby. The staff was very helpful and it was awesome that they did all of the set up and clean up! The only thing I would have liked better would be if they had tables and chairs set up for the kids to eat on instead of just the benches and floor. I don’t think the kids cared much either way, but logistically might have been better. Other than that, we had a great experience and can’t wait to go back for another show! Also, a few of the other parents even commented that they would like to have their children’s b-​day parties there, as well. Maybe we started a new trend???
Place rating: 5
Brookline, MA
Gosh, who knew a puppet show could sooooo much fun! This is a super-​duper place for adults and kids. We have a one-​year old and we reckoned he wouldn’t really understand what was going on, but one thing is for sure — he was mesmerized.
We popped in for «Peter Rabbit and Other Tales» on Sunday, and there was music and fun and fun-​ny. Peter Rabbit sure is a FUNNY BUNNY! We can’t wait to check out more shows at this wonderful venue.
Place rating: 5
Stoneham, MA
If you have a young niece/​nephew to entertain or cousins in town, this is the place to bring them. The Mass Value Pass currently allows you 2 for 1 admission so it only costs $ 10 for me and my «Little Sister» to enjoy a recent puppet show. We watched a production of Eeyore’s birthday and I won’t be ashamed to admit it, but I actually enjoyed it!
There were mostly children 2 – 4 in the audience but my Little is 8 years old and said that this was one of her favorite experiences we have had together thus far. The show is short enough for kids’ attention spans with interactive elements (sing-​alongs, etc.) and sprinkled with adult humor to keep chaperones entertained. The gift shop immediately outside the theater offers affordable souvenirs starting from 25 cents so you definitely won’t have to break the bank for a fun family outing!
We went on a Sunday so street parking outside was easy and FREE!
Finally, I had a question about how to redeem the Mass Value pass so I emailed the Box Office Manager, Adam, and he responded really quickly. .. at 10pm on a weeknight. I was very impressed with the quick and friendly customer service. We will definitely be back for another performance.
Place rating: 3
Lexington, MA
I went as a school chaperone for the puppet show titled ‘Witches Brew”, a Halloween show. The show was for about 45mins.
A star less for that boxed in feeling. The benches are at gradual elevations so the kids in the back row can see the show. They sit 100 little kids. But sitting on wooden benches is hard and kids need space to stretch after a long bus ride.
A star less for location, be very careful with children it is right on a busy street, across from the trains. Our school kids were quite drawn to the trains and we had to reign them in.
Not sure about parking, because we went on school buses.
Place rating: 5
Providence, RI
The Puppet Showplace Theatre is one of those hidden gems you just need to check out. They hold full-​on puppet shows with elaborate puppets crafted by world-​renown artists and with stories told by famous storytellers.
You’ve probably driven by a hundred times looking at the bright lettering and the cool paintings on the windows but really, stop by for a show one night. They have adult shows too (not that kind of adult show) which is what I’m recommending. I’m sure the kids shows are amazing, great for brithday parties etc. but I’ve never actually seen a kid show.
If you’re looking for a funny interesting night, check out a PuppetSLAM which is what I saw…
This is from their website:
«It’s an evening of short varied theatrical mini-​plays for adults that use (or sometimes abuse) puppets for all or part of the drama. Each piece is performed by a different artist or artists, and the content can be wide-​ranging; some are elegant or poignant, others are satiric, irreverent, or humorous, and still others can be passionate, political, or spiritual in nature. The performers range from the seasoned professional to the nascent puppeteer, and often include poets, musicians, dancers, mimes, actors, and other sundry affiliated artists.»
These guys are also non-​profit, so help ‘em out and go see a show. They’re funny and you’ll have a good story to tell about how you went to a puppet show :)