Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence, MO
The Puppetry Arts Institute (11025 E. Winner Rd. Independence, MO. 816.833.9777) is one of Kansas City's Best Kept Secrets. Located in the Englewood Shopping District in old Independence, this charming museum, puppet theater, and puppet making workshop is a favorite for our family.
The museum is dedicated to sharing the love of puppets and imagination with all ages. You will find a collection of puppets from every continent except Antarctica (apparently penguins are not adept puppet masters).
The inspiration for the museum came from Hazelle Hedges Rollins, a woman who began a small puppet company in 1932 in Kansas City, MO. Her factory became the largest puppet factory in the world, making marionettes, hand puppets and finger puppets until the 1980s. The volunteers at the museum continue Hazelle's passion for puppetry with exhibits, monthly puppet shows, and puppet making workshops. Hundreds of puppet parts from the original factory remain in storage in local caves and are now used for children's workshops at the museum.
On select Saturdays (and occasional weekdays when school is out), the Puppetry Arts Institute offers live puppet shows. The museum loves all puppets - hand puppets, marionettes, finger puppets, shadow puppets, small puppets, giant parade puppets - and they offer a variety of shows ($5/ea. reservation recommended) throughout the year. You may attend a show, then see the museum (which is also open throughout the month on non-show days), and if you sign up in advance (space is limited) your child may make their own hand puppet in a special workshop ($6/ea. reservations recommended). Older children may sign up for a marionette class and they also offer group outings.
Recently I took my girls to enjoy the Beauty and the Beast puppet show. We had a great time enjoying the show, exploring the exhibits (SO MANY PUPPETS! There are even puppets in the bathroom!), and best of all making hand puppets.
The real magic behind the Puppetry Arts Institute is the volunteers. We have come to love the adults who share their passion for puppets, storytelling, and creativity with the children.
Making Puppets:
The children select one of 40 vinyl puppet heads to paint. Then they select an outfit for their puppet. The volunteers offer specific instructions on how to paint the puppet and each child selects their own colors.
Emily chose this doll face.
Mrs. Anitra Steele taught the girls how to carefully paint puppet eyes with a toothpick.
Dogs, Bunnies, Ducks, Crocodiles, Elephants, Donkeys - so many animals and people to select - the girls are asking to return and paint more puppets for their collection!
A completed puppet. Each child is taught how to care for their new puppet.
After painting the puppet, the children put on a mini-puppet show with their special new friend.
And, the beloved Big Bear greets you and bids farewell with each visit!
The Puppetry Arts Institute is a delightful adventure we love - each visit captures the imagination and shares the joys of childhood with the each visitor!