Add the joy & magic of puppets into your life!

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) is a community of artists working within our larger community to create magic together. Our mission is to nurture creative empowerment through the joy and magic of puppetry performance and education. Attend an and join in the magic yourself!

Upcoming Events & Programs

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Valentine’s Puppet Making
Feb 14
Valentine’s Puppet Making

Looking for a fun activity for Valentine's Day? Join us for a puppet making workshop at the Avalon Theatre on Feb. 14th at 7-9p for two hours of puppet making, connections and light snacks.

Puppet Library Open Hours
Feb 15
Puppet Library Open Hours

Join us for our twice monthly Puppet Library open hours.

Valentine’s Puppet Making
Feb 15
Valentine’s Puppet Making

Looking for a fun activity for Valentine's Day? Join us for a puppet making workshop at the Avalon Theatre on February 15th 3-5p for two hours of puppet making, connections and light snacks.

Puppet Library Open Hours
Mar 1
Puppet Library Open Hours

Join us for our twice monthly Puppet Library open hours.

First Saturday Puppet Storytime
Mar 1
First Saturday Puppet Storytime

We host a free puppet story hour every 1st Saturday of the month.

Toddler Puppet and Music Time
Mar 6
Toddler Puppet and Music Time

Join Chelly and her sidekick Turnip the Dog for 8 weeks of music, movement, stories and puppets!

Puppet Library Open Hours
Mar 15
Puppet Library Open Hours

Join us for our twice monthly Puppet Library open hours.

HOBT Summer Puppet Camp: June Session
Jun 9
HOBT Summer Puppet Camp: June Session

HOBT Puppet Camp will take place June 9-13, 2025 and August 25-29, 2025! Your child will be able to explore the materials and create with others.

HOBT Summer Puppet Camp: August Session
Aug 25
HOBT Summer Puppet Camp: August Session

HOBT Puppet Camp will take place June 9-13, 2025 and August 25-29, 2025! Your child will be able to explore the materials and create with others.

An older woman works on a large puppet at a workshop.
Five children stand around a table playing with puppets they created.

Engage with Us

Large, beautifully crafted puppets are seen walking serenely at a public event.
An assortment of colorful, hand crafted puppets against a dark backdrop.
A table top covered with scattered parts of a cardboard cat puppet.
Kids at a summer camp animate a huge caterpillar puppet together.
Staff member Steve holds up a glowing tableau of a shadow puppet.

The Latest

News
Winter Solstice Event Recap
Winter Solstice Event Recap

On December 20th, 2024, we gathered with Community to celebrate Winter with glowing lanterns, homemade soup and wonderful music as we bid our fond farewell to the Avalon Theatre. 

We had an exciting 2024!
We had an exciting 2024!

We’ve done an amazing amount of programming in 2024. Learn all about it.

Heart of the Beast is Moving!
Heart of the Beast is Moving!

After 36 years at The Avalon Theatre in Minneapolis, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) intends to move to a new location and sell the building.

December Spotlight

Here you will find highlights from one of our many programs and events! You can stay up to date with all of the creative happenings at Heart of the Beast by subscribing to our enewsletter.

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