The diagram below shows measurements of the preferred stage and support equipment arrangement. The placement of most equipment can be adjusted to fit into almost any space from a living room or den to a gymnasium.

Setting up the puppet theater

Don't worry, I'll set up the theater, I just want to show you how the theater can fit into a room.

Indoor Lighting

My puppet theater has its own lighting to help focus the audience's attention on the performance. Whenever possible, dim or turn off the room lights during the performance. The room does not need to be completely dark, in fact, total darkness can scare some children.

Make sure there are no windows behind the puppet theater. Light coming from behind the theater will go into the audience’s eyes, making it difficult to view the performance. Close the curtains or set up the theater along a different wall.

Theater Locations

I prefer to set up the puppet show away from the rest of the event whenever possible. The living room isn't always the best spot for the puppet theater, especially if you have a small house full of party guests. The theater takes up a good amount of space.

The yard, front or back, and a patio are all great puppet show locations. Many people forget about the largest space in the house, the garage. I've performed many shows in the garage. Just cover the oil stain with a tarp and viola! Instant theater!

Here you will find a list of all the parks and community centers where I have performed.

Viewing the show

Sitting the audience on the floor is the best way to squeeze the maximum amount of people into a space and still allow the best possible view of the performance, especially when you have a mix of adults and children.

What do your puppet shows cost?

Pricing varies, depending on how much travel time is involved and how many shows you want. Discounts are available for multiple bookings. Please contact me to discuss pricing.

Do you perform at birthday parties?

Yes! Many of my performances take place at private birthday parties, however I also perform at preschools, elementary schools, corporate parties, libraries and public events.

Attention Span

From my many years of experience and from conversations with other entertainers, I have learned that a good length for a puppet show is 20 to 30 minutes. I put as much entertainment into that time-frame as I can. With a smoothly flowing and engaging story and an average of 20 puppets per show, my shows can hold onto even the shortest of attention spans.

Age Appropriateness

My shows are written to entertain the entire family and adults are always telling me how much they've enjoyed my shows. However, my shows are aimed at the 2-7 year old audience. I never put any content into my shows that I would not want my young niece or nephew to see.

Are your shows scary?

The shows are gentle and all of the puppets friendly-looking. Children are rarely frightened by my shows. Some children can be uncertain about what a puppet is and whether it's alive or not. Many parents show their child pictures of the puppets on this web site to gauge their reaction. This also helps the child become familiar with the show. Parents have also told me that their child was very excited to be part of the process of selecting the entertainment for their party.

You must check with the park department before booking the show. Ask if they allow "amplified sound". Amplified Sound is the park department's definition of any sound not naturally occurring in the park. There is too much ambient noise in a park and the audience will not be able to hear the show without the use of amplified sound. Park Rangers will walk right into a party and stop the show if they do not allow amplified sound in the park.

Here you will find a list of all the parks and community centers where I have performed.

Do you need a power outlet?

There is plenty of extension cable packed along with the show. However, if there are no available power outlets, a portable power supply is also available. Please mention this when booking the show so there is sufficient time to charge up the portable battery.

What else do you need when you arrive?

The stage and a number of large boxes need to be brought in to the performance area. Please provide a clear path to load the equipment in and out of the performance area. Please make sure parking is available close to the performance area.

It's a good idea to have the check for the show made out in advance, since you will most likely be very busy during your event.

For schools and libraries, you might want to make books on puppetry and puppet making available to the children after the show. You might also want to have books on bugs and ecology available after a performance of Tales from the Enchanted Forest, versions of "Puss in Boots" and other fairy tales available after Puss in Boots and books about cowboys, the wild west and dinosaurs to accompany a performance of T-Rex Thunderlizard's Wild West Review.

How do I book a show?

Contact me to schedule a puppet show for your event.

** Do not send a deposit unless you have booked a show with me! **

Send the deposit to:
Nick Barone Puppets
5542 Monterey Road #111
San Jose, CA 95138-1529

Yes! Visit the customizable flyer page to make your own flyer or invitation, using pictures from the shows.

Nick Barone writes, produces and performs all the shows from Nick Barone Puppets. He is known throughout the US as one of the best puppet builders working today, and his one-man shows have been enchanting audiences for years. His puppets were featured on HGTV's The Carol Duvall Show.

Is this your full-time job?

Yes, Nick makes his living solely as a professional puppeteer. When he is not out performing shows, he is in his workshop building new ones.

Nick Barone Puppets carries performer's liability insurance through Puppeteers of America.