Going Forward in a New Location and Expanding Programming

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. HOBT has always been a place that welcomes all no matter where it’s been located. From its humble beginnings inside a church basement, to existing inside a storefront building before settling into the Avalon Theatre, the organization helps nurture creative empowerment through the joy and magic of puppetry and education. Now, that legacy will continue in its new home.

“We look forward to creating and sharing collaborative spaces for artists, and comfortable, sensory-friendly spaces for anyone in the neurodivergent and disabled community,” says Elina Kotlyar, Interim Executive Director of HOBT. “As we look for a new space, we are mindful of creating performance and engagement spaces accessible to all. That includes being near a bus line, having parking and bike racks, and a stage that can be accessed without stairs. We also plan to have a workshop space that better fits the needs of our artists and participants.”

The move from The Avalon is a strategic one as Heart of the Beast continues to expand its reach further in the Twin Cities community. Once chosen, the new location will be centered on learning and development by providing after school programs, camps, storytime, artist and puppeteer training, and offer a more accessible space to all participants. It will also house the puppet library, be a place for artist collaboration and idea sharing, and continue to be a space for puppet performances that have been a part of HOBT for 50 years. It will allow Heart of the Beast to continue its connections with artists and the community with even more programming that is currently unable to be produced with the limitations of The Avalon Theatre.

“I believe that moving not only allows us to tailor the space to our community's needs, but it's also a great way of letting folks know that we are here to stay and have big plans for moving forward with our fantastic programming led by our amazing community of artists and puppeteers,” says Rachel Beaver-Scott, Puppet Librarian and Storyteller. “There is so much fun to be had, and I can't wait to welcome everyone to our bright, new, accessible space!”

Prior to a future move to its new home, Heart of the Beast will continue its slate of programming not only at the Avalon but around the community. Please check our calendar for events!

If you’re a member of the media who has questions about this move, please contact Mike Haberman, mhaberman@nemerfieger.com, 612-432-9898. If you’re a community member and you’d like to talk about this change, please contact us directly.