Frequently Asked Questions
How does ticketing work? Does everyone need a ticket?
Everyone is required to have a ticket this year as we are at limited capacity. You can purchase tickets online or just call us at 804-358-3377 if you are having technical difficulties. Please purchase tickets in advance to expedite check-in at the theater.
Are any of the shows good for one year olds? Two year olds? What about older kids?
Most of the shows are geared towards ages 4 and up and their families. Some 3-year olds may be ready, though! (Read the suggestions in "How do I know if my child is ready for a show?" below. Please be sure to check out the recommendations for each performance.
How do I know if my child is ready for a show?
We would love to be your child's first exposure to live theatre. Most shows last about 40-50 minutes and younger children will often enjoy the action, scenery, and music, even if they don't exactly follow the story line. Children who attend theatre in the early years tend to enjoy and better understand performances when they are older. It's important to note that some performances are geared for older children, so please check the age recommendation for each particular show. For children who are very young, the lights and sounds of live theatre can be overwhelming. If you are concerned about your child's readiness, you should take a seat near the lobby so you can take a break if need be and then quietly re-enter the theatre when your child is ready. We regret that we cannot offer refunds if you need to leave the performance early.
My child/friend/spouse is really interested in puppetry. What resources are available to someone who is really interested in puppetry?
Wonderful! We hope you will bring them to some performances or special events. We have a NEW program called the Puppet Collective, developed for adults and older teens, that meets regularly. If you are open to online connections, we also recommend the National Capital Puppetry Guild. The Guild has regular meetings online with membership that spans well beyond our nation's capital.
There are also two national organizations that may be able to help you: Puppeteers of America and UNIMA-USA. Puppeteers of America publishes The Puppetry Journal and runs the National Puppetry Festival on odd years and regional festivals on even years. These festivals are full of workshops and high-caliber performances. UNIMA-USA publishes Puppetry International and connects to the world puppetry community. Another great resource is the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut. This conference is held each June and brings together puppetry artists from all over the country for an amazing, puppetry immersion program that focuses on a number of professional tracks ranging from marionette construction to puppet playwriting.
If your question was not answered, we hope you will email us your question so we can answer it. You are also welcome to call us at 804-358-3377. We are ALWAYS happy to "talk puppet shows!"