The Columbia Marionette Theatre's terrific Traveling Troupe brings world-class puppet shows right to your doorstep, no matter where you are in South Carolina!

We feel proud and privileged that you have chosen the Columbia Marionette Theatre as either your students’ first or ongoing theatre experience. We want your time with us to be pleasant, fulfilling and exciting. Welcome to the enchanting world of puppetry!

We bring everything we need with us and everything you need to know is right here on this page.

Prices shown are within 40 miles of Columbia. Add $25 for each additional 40 miles of travel.

Cinderella The classic story of the girl with a fairy godmother who gives her glass slippers. Prince Charming takes her away from a life of drudgery and her evil step-mother. Thirty minutes. One performance $300; $200 for subsequent performances of the same show on the same day at the same venue.
Hansel & Gretel Marionettes infuse merriment into this classic tale by the Brothers Grimm. The story follows Hansel &; Gretel from their father's house through the forest to the infamous candy house. Thirty minutes. One performance $300; $200 for subsequent performances of the same show on the same day at the same venue.
Rumplestiltskin First published by the Brothers Grimm, Rumplestiltzskin is the story of the daughter of a poor miller who, with the help of the troll Rumplestiltskin, weaves straw into gold for a greedy king. Thirty minutes. One performance $300; $200 for subsequent performances of the same show on the same day at the same venue.
Me & My Big Mouth First graders can follow little Amy CleanTeeth through her visit to Dr. Sunshine's dental office and learn how to take excellent care of your teeth. Sponsored in part by The Sunshine Fund. Recommended audience size: 50. Call for pricing information.(more)
Litter Trashes Everyone A twenty-five minute puppet show that utilizes marionettes, hand puppets and found object puppets to deliver an anti-litter message. Mr. Bob, the friendly neighborhood cook, serves as the host of the show from his barbeque grill at a picnic shelter. The show ends with a recitation of the PalmettoPride Promise! Sponsored by Palmetto Pride. Grades K through 4. (more)
Just say NO We have a brand new "Just Say No" show available! One performance $300; $200 for subsequent performances of the same show on the same day at the same venue.
Rockin' Through The Ages See your favorite performers take the stage in this musical medley. Acts include Elvis, Tina Turner, James Brown, The Beatles, Madonna, Gene Simmons, Johnny Rotten and more! Perfect for festivals and fairs. Thirty minutes, all ages. One performance $300; $200 for subsequent performances of the same show on the same day at the same venue.
Circus Adventure A one-person, 25 minute marionette puppet show with lots of great circus acts, trick puppets, and fun for all! One performance $225; $125 for subsequent performances of the same show on the same day at the same venue.
Cinderella's Holiday Ball A brand New touring puppet show from the Columbia Marionette Theatre for the 2004 holiday season — Cinderella’s Holiday Ball. The classic story of Cinderella set to a magical winter holiday scene. Seasonal fun for one and all! One performance $300; $200 for subsequent performances of the same show on the same day at the same venue.
Alice in Winterland Follow Lewis Carroll's timeless character, Alice, as she explores a magical winter wonderland full of craziness and bewilderment. A fun-filled holiday show for everyone! Running time: approximately 30 minutes. $300 for 1st show, $500 for two shows on same day in same location. Prices are for performances within 50 miles of Columbia SC.

Reservations/Cancellations

• All traveling shows must be reserved in advance.
• Call the theatre at 803-252-7366 and give us the following information:
  • Name of contact person
  • School or organization and physical address
  • Whether we will be performing indoors or outdoors
  • Telephone number (with area code) and "best time to call"
  • Age/grade level
  • Possible dates and times for the show
  • Which show you are interested in
  • Any special needs your group may have
• Upon booking, we will send you two copies of your contract for each show scheduled. If you do not receive this contract within 10 days, please call the theatre at 803-252-7366. Sign and return one copy of the contract to the theatre within two weeks of your show(s). Please make sure you include directions with your signed contract. The second copy is for your files. Please note, your reservation cannot be confirmed until the theatre receives your signed contract and directions to your location.
• Please call 803-252-7366 as soon as possible if there are any changes in your schedule.
• Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis.

Arrival Time

• We will arrive approximately ½ hour before performance time to set up.
• Please notify appropriate personnel the day of our arrival to avoid confusion.
• We require a CLEAN AND CLEAR area (preferably a raised stage) at least fifteen feet deep by twenty feet wide and CLEAR ACCESS to an electrical outlet. Please check that the performance area is clean and clear of debris and clutter. OUR PUPPETEERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANING YOUR STAGE. We maintain the right not to perform on any stage or other area that we deem inappropriate for any reason. If an issue arises, we may request an alternate performance area.
• We can perform indoors or outdoors, though indoors is preferred.