Le Theatre de Marionette

We offer performance packages for corporate events, retail centers, management companies, HOA events, fairs, festivals, museums, libraries and numerous other civic organizations, as well as birthday events.
We provide a worry-free service to all our corporate clients:
Turn-Key Operation
Self-Contained Shows
Staging, Lighting and Sound Packages
Bonded and Insured
After Hours Set-Ups and Strikes
On-Staff Electrical and AV Technicians
Professional Staff Appearance
Background Checks on all Staff
Multiple Billing and Payment Options

Le Theatre de Marionette was created in 1985 by John Hopkins after a seven year stint as a puppeteer at Six Flags Over Texas. Starting at Six Flags Over Texas in 1975, John Hopkins began what turned into a lifetime career in children’s entertainment. Mr. Hopkins has worked for numerous entertainment companies including Children’s Television Workshop, Henson Associates, Sid and Marty Krofft Television and New Line Cinema. An artist at heart, John created Le Theatre de Marionette in 1992 in Arlington, Texas when he transformed the then-defunct Greyhound bus station into a family entertainment theater and local children's attraction. The theater moved to NorthPark Center in Dallas in 1995. John has been the driving force in fabrication and design of the puppets for Le Theatre over the last 20 years. He has also constructed countless puppets, sets, and props for companies across America. John has built three other theaters since that first opening in 1992, and most recently built the Geppetto's Theater inside the Hilton Anatole in downtown Dallas.
Le Theatre de Marionette holds contracts with numerous educational agencies to provide programs within the schools and libraries, as well as a partner with the Texas Commission of the Arts.

We offer three different types of programming catered to different performance venues and audience demographics.

Level I Cabaret Style Shows
Marionettes are performed on same level as puppeteers. Shows allow for plenty of audience interaction and ease of set up.

Level II Bridge Show
Marionettes are performed from a raised structure. Puppeteers are hidden from audience view. Scenery, lighting and staging used to propel the story narrative. Shows are designed as a full theatrical experience. Most engagements would include a multi show day or multi-day show run.

Level III Bridge Show
Marionettes are performed from a theatrical superstructure with operating scenic elements including drops, lighting, stage curtains and raised performance structure. Puppeteers are hidden from audience view. Shows are designed to perform in repetition over multiple days.

Stage Requirements: Most Performance area requirements are usual flexible. Performance space minimum is 10' x 10' with additional side or back area for equipment storage. Drapes and sound system provided. Minimum set-up and strike required. 120 VAC electrical outlet needed for sound. Lighting provided as needed.

*Outdoor events must be disclosed at time of reservation booking.