Puppetry Arts Institute

The Puppetry Arts Institute, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, was founded in 2000 with the goal of "preserving and promoting puppetry through education and entertainment for all ages." We moved to our present location in the Englewood area of Independence a year later, establishing a facility that contains a museum, a puppet theater and workshop area. Englewood has been established as an Arts District by the City of Independence, so the Institute participates in the art walks on the third Friday of every month. Workshops: Puppet making workshops are available for children, families, school groups, and adults, using materials from the Hazelle Rollins Puppet Factory, that was located in Kansas City, MO from 1932 to the mid-1980's. Birthday parties are reasonable and something unique for children ages 5 and up. See workshops page for more information. Shows: Local, national, or international puppeteers perform monthly using marionettes, hand puppets, shadow puppets, rod puppets and other unique forms of puppetry. Several puppet shows are available for offsite performances. See performances page for more information. Museum: The museum section of the Institute contains a room devoted to Hazelle Rollins puppets and her legacy, a Puppets Around the World room, and changing exhibits in the main area. See museum page for more information. Services:A puppet research library and a gift shop are also available. We also restring and repair puppets. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm.