Automata at Manual Archives
If you ask the question, “What is Puppet Theater?” then LA is in the answer. From its far-flung roots around the globe and across the ages, entertaining literally countless adults and children, puppetry is an integral part of LA’s entertainment landscape and contributes to an ever-growing army of handcrafted dolls.
Let’s break it down. In LA, you can find many forms of puppetry, including puppetry for kids, political/experimental puppetry, and puppetry that feeds the many (that of film and television). Of course, they overlap in many ways, which is one of the reasons why LA has a thriving puppet scene.
Another major factor in the popularity of LA’s puppet scene is due to the world-renowned California Institute of the Arts, (Cal Arts) in Valencia, which houses The Cotsen Center for Puppetry and the Arts. Students here explore the many possibilities of puppetry, while professors — some of the best in the business — teach, research and practice their art.
Where can you see puppets in action in LA? If you have kids, go straight to Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater, the longest running children’s theater in Los Angeles. Baker’s seventy plus years in the art form make him a living legend. Along with his classic productions held in his theatre/workshop near Downtown LA, Baker’s industry credits include: Addam’s Family II, Bewitched, Star Trek and Academy Award-winning Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind. With thousands of marionettes in his arsenal, Baker never ceases to amaze. Just remember to make a reservation.
It’s harder to pin down and categorize the LA movement of Contemporary Toy and Puppet Theater. It’s not always for children but certainly suits the young at heart. Not surprisingly, many of these productions take place in venues truly unique to LA with histories all their own. Venues include the following: the Manual Archives; the Velaslavasay Panorama, regularly featuring panoramic art; and the Museum of Jurassic Technology, chalk full of curiosities.
And what would the puppet world be without masters like Jim Henson. The fabulous show, Puppet Up! at Avalon Hollywood, created by the Jim Henson Company, provides an uncensored marriage of comedic improvisation and puppetry. Viewers can choose between watching puppets on big screens and inspecting them in real life with their operators on-stage and in full view. Described as “uninhibited anarchy,” this show is not for children and should be attended only by patrons interested in having a great time.
PLAY
/ Arts & Culture
/ Performing Arts
BOOK IT
to LA >>
Show:
Get your free monthly email newsletter.
