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Theater/ Puppets
Performers specializing in plays, puppets, theater, and the performing arts.
Barry Mitchell
Sevierville, TN
“We hired Mr. Barry Mitchell for the third year in a row. His shows have always been on theme and we all love it, kids and adults! Great guy, easy to work with, and great communication.” – Mandi Wheat, Cumberland Co. Public Library
Fairytale Fun Traveling Children’s Theatre
Edmonton, KY / Metcalfe
"The plays we had presented were Little Bunny Foo Foo, The Frog Prince, and Snow White and the 5 or 6 Dwarves. They were funny, Fractured Fairy Tales. The crew had inventive costumes for each play. The players acted and personified their characters in child-friendly fashion. The booking process was fairly simple. The staff were nice and seemed to enjoy children and their work." -Becky Munoz, Woodford County Library
FelleREXpress
Evansville, IN
"FellerExpress is an awesome program with giant dinosaur puppets. It is educational, interactive, and worth it. Includes presentation, Dino-themed games and dancing and picture opportunities." -Isabella Deaton, Breckenridge County Public Library
Great Shows for Libraries
Mason, OH
“Paul Adams is the performer for Great Shows for Libraries. We had his Freddy Fossil Dino Show which was mainly a magic show with a dinosaur theme. Mr. Adams, as Freddy, is hilarious and very good at what he does. He is professional, friendly, and easy to work with. I had a great experience booking his show and communicating with him every step of the way. I would definitely book one of his shows again.” – Meggan Conway, Lexington Public Library
Kentucky Shakespeare
Louisville, KY / Jefferson
"We had the two-act tour as one of our larger crowd shows. The audience was engaged the full time in the performance. The actors did an impressive job with their show, which was just the right balance of Shakespeare and dialogue kids can relate to more readily. It was entertaining and educational in the best ways to engage our audience. We even had a young boy afterwards tell us that was his ever first play and he loved it!" -Kinsey Hisle, Boyle County Public Library
Steven's Puppets
Bristol, IN
Their marionette shows—featuring classics like The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears—are always a hit with kids and families in our community. The shows are beautifully staged with hand-carved wooden puppets and hand-painted scenery, yet their compact setup makes them easy to transport. Dan Raynor and his wife, Zan, continue the legacy of Steven’s Puppets, founded in 1933 by Martin Stevens. They restore and create new productions in his tradition. Dan’s energy and connection with kids are unmatched. His background in live theater and work with prominent musicians shine in his performances. He keeps kids engaged with humor and interactive moments, even before the show begins. Afterward, the performers give a behind-the-scenes look at the marionettes, which is always a favorite with the kids. We usually have attendees line up and take a little walking tour behind the curtain. If you’re looking for a truly unique performance, I highly recommend Steven’s Puppets. We would love for them to be added to the recommended performers' website so that even more libraries and communities can enjoy their marionette shows. -David Payne, Madison County Public Library
“I adore Steven’s Puppets. I love that they do marionettes, which are so hard to find these days. Dan was great with the kids—jokes, crowd control, and so much fun. We should always book them if available.” –Alisha, Madison County Public Library
“The kids loved it! Dan was super entertaining. Let’s bring him back with a new show!”
–Lolly, Madison County Public Library
Tembers Tales
Georgetown, KY / Scott
"Miss September of TembersTales did a puppet/magic/story/anti-bullying show for our story hour children. Our group is very young, averaging 3.5 years. Miss September kept them engaged and interacting. She even drew in the shy children. Her show is high energy, positive message, very entertaining and highly original. 110% would recommend." -Hannah Pearson, Pendleton County Public Library
Wump Mucket Puppets
Cincinnati, OH
“We had the Wump Mucket Puppets do a Summer Reading show for ages 3 through 5th grade. It was fabulous! Mr. Burke was easy to work with. He showed up early to set up his puppet stage. He used all handmade puppets. After the show, he answered questions, gave the kids coloring sheets, and even let them see “backstage’. The kids and adults loved it. An added bonus is that he is very reasonably priced. I will definitely have him back.” –Sandy Florence, Pendleton County Public Library