Puppetry Arts Institute

+1-816-833-9777 [email protected]

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Creative Activities – What We Offer

Puppetry Arts Institute welcomes individuals and groups. Our building is handicapped accessible.

PUPPET PAINTING WORKSHOPS –

Make a piece of Kansas City history 

 

PAI offers vinyl puppet painting workshops using remnant stock from the Hazelle Puppet factory which closed in the early 1980s. After selecting a vinyl puppet head, you will paint the head with special vinyl adhering paint, select a costume and have a lesson on performing with your puppet on our stage. Currently, there are approximately 20 Hazelle puppets to choose from, including both hand and sleeve puppets.

Reservations suggested, since space is limited.  Reservations required for groups of 4 or more.

Cost:  $10.00 per puppet.
Allow up to 90 minutes for this workshop.

We can accommodate groups of up to 30 participants. If your group is larger than this, call us at 816-833-9777 for other options.

 

PUPPET KITS 

Our puppet kits are the “home version” of our puppet painting workshops.  You can create your own puppet at home or at the location of your choice. Kits may be picked up at PAI or mailed to you.  Each Kit includes a puppet head of your choice with costume, paints, and instructions. Cost is $12 per kit. (Paint brushes and shipping extra.)

Click here for more information and pictures of puppet heads available:

https://puppetryartsinstitute.org/puppet-kits-available/

 

SCHEDULING A PUPPET SHOW FOR YOUR GROUP AT PAI

On-site puppet shows for groups include the following options:

  • Your group can attend a scheduled puppet show at PAI – reservations required.   Cost: $5 per person (check the  Events tab on this website for show schedule. )

  • Request a private puppet show at PAI, performed by the Two Frogs and a Turtle Puppet Company for children ages 3-10. Cost: $150 for up to 30 children and adults) and $10 each additional person. (45 minutes).

  • Request an on-site demonstration on the different types of puppetry, how to work the strings of a marionette, or how to perform with a hand puppet or rod puppet.  Includes museum tour.   Cost is $10 per person.  (Up to 4 accompanying adults admitted free). 

  • Call PAI at 816-833-9777 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

 

TRAVELING PUPPET SHOWS TO YOUR LOCATION:

For pre-schoolers and kindergartners, we can travel to your facility to give a puppet show. Prices for shows range from $175 – $300. Call PAI at 816-833-9777 or email [email protected] for details.

HOW TO BE A PUPPETEER

We offer instruction on puppet and marionette performance techniques to individuals and small groups.  Students have the opportunity of giving a public performance at PAI.

Cost varies.  Contact us for more details at 816-833-9777 or at [email protected]

PUBLIC SPEAKERS

Groups desiring someone for a speaking engagement off-site can request a Puppetry Arts Institute professional to give a talk and presentation on the history of the Hazelle factory and/or a demonstration of one or more of the many types of marionettes, hand puppets, and/or shadow puppets in our collection.

Cost: $50.00. Call PAI at 816-833-9777 or email [email protected] to book a presentation.

MARIONETTE WORKSHOP

Create Your Own Hazelle Clown Marionette

Make a GENUINE Hazelle clown marionette using authentic Hazelle materials. Aspiring puppeteers (ages 12 and up) will paint, dress, string and learn how to manipulate a classic Hazelle clown. This workshop takes about 4 hours, is $45 and requires reservations and one week’s notice when scheduling. Contact us for reservations and information.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

We offer two kinds of Birthday parties:

A private PUPPET SHOW, performed for up to 30 children and adults.

OR

A PUPPET PAINTING workshop where children can paint their own puppets and perform with them on our puppet stage.

Themed parties of your choice are also available.

We provide tables and serving space for your cake, ice cream, tableware, and birthday gifts.

Cost is $12 per child, 4 accompanying adults admitted free, each additional adult $3.

LADIES’ TEA AND TOUR

Enjoy touring PAI’s exhibit rooms before relaxing with a cup of hot tea and a dessert. Guests will be seated at linen covered tables, and guests will be treated to an informative talk on the history of puppetry, including the types and uses of puppets. It is a great chance to see fun demonstrations and learn something new.
The event takes approximately 90 minutes, allowing time for browsing our Gift Shop.

Reservations required. Minimum: 6 participants – Maximum: 24 participants, $12.50 per person.

RENTAL SPACE

We have RENTAL SPACE available which can be used for special events. Cost varies by number of participants. Contact us for more information.

Upcoming Events

Apr
20
Sat
2024
11:00 am Bear Frolics (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Bear Frolics (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Apr 20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bear Frolics (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Puppetry Arts Institute presents “Bear Frolics,” performed by Kraig Kensinger and Andrew Evans, on Saturdays, April 13, 20 & 27, 2024, at 11025 E. Winner Road in Independence. Performance time is 11:00. Bear puppets sing, [...]
Apr
27
Sat
2024
11:00 am Bear Frolics (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Bear Frolics (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Apr 27 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bear Frolics (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Puppetry Arts Institute presents “Bear Frolics,” performed by Kraig Kensinger and Andrew Evans, on Saturdays, April 13, 20 & 27, 2024, at 11025 E. Winner Road in Independence. Performance time is 11:00. Bear puppets sing, [...]
Jul
13
Sat
2024
11:00 am The Wizard of Oz (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
The Wizard of Oz (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Jul 13 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Wizard of Oz (Puppet Show) @ Puppetry Arts Institute
Puppetry Arts Institute presents “The Wizard of Oz,” performed by Kraig Kensinger, on Saturdays, July 13, 20, and 27, 2024, with performance time at 11:00 a.m., at 11025 E. Winner Road in Independence, Mo. Join [...]