Brookline, MA- Between the late hours of Thursday April 26^th, and Friday morning, April 27^th, vandals caused damage to a large, brightly decorated, street-facing window at Puppet Showplace Theatre. Puppet Showplace Theatre is a 38-year-old non-profit performing arts institution that reaches an audience of over 20,000 people each year. Hundreds of families with small children attend performances and birthday parties at Puppet Showplace Theatre each week. The vandalism took place the day before the National Day of Puppetry (April 28^th), a day of advocacy and celebration for puppeteers across the country.

A police report was filed with the Brookline Police department Friday morning.

“It is sad that someone made a senseless assault on a small organization that is only doing good things for the community. We are responsible for all repairs to the historic building, so there is no doubt that this incident will take a toll on the theatre’s finances and morale,” said Isabel Fine, Executive Director.

This occurrence of vandalism is upsetting to all of the Brookline Village community, where many small businesses are located that serve children and families.

In spite of the vandalism, Puppet Showplace Theatre is open for business and has maintained its busy performance schedule. On the weekend following the assault, hundreds of patrons visited the beautifully decorated theatre for puppet performances and special National Day of Puppetry activities. 

“It is wonderful to feel such strong support from artists and audience members alike,” Fine said.

Individuals interested in making a donation to support Puppet Showplace Theatre can mail checks payable to Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station Street, Brookline MA, 02445 or call 617-731-6400 to make a donation over the phone. Donations are tax deductible, and can also be made online at www.puppetshowplace.org

Puppet Showplace Theatre (PST) is an award-winning non-profit performing arts organization committed to excellence in puppetry as a theatrical experience that educates, enlightens, and entertains audiences of all ages. Established in 1974, PST is the first and only year-round dedicated puppetry presenter in New England. Puppet Showplace Theatre is wheelchair accessible and located opposite the Brookline Village T station on the Green D Line, which is barrier free and accessible to all children and adults.

For more information about Puppet Showplace Theatre, contact Communications Director Brenda Huggins at 617-731-6400 x 201 or info@puppetshowplace.org

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