Puppet Truck programs inspire a love of books through engaging, three dimensional performances of classic children’s literature.
Puppet Truck
The Puppet Truck travels throughout Davidson County with the aim of reaching people who aren’t able to visit the Main Library Children’s Theater. The Puppet Truck works in conjunction with the library’s Bringing Books to Life! program to provide literacy outreach and educational programs to preschools and daycare centers.
Summer / Fall 2021 Shows
Ellingtown
Through June 2021
Join Duke Ellington, the great Master of Jazz as he takes us on a musical journey with puppets of all sorts in this special presentation produced by the Nashville Jazz Workshop in cooperation with Wishing Chair Productions!
- Running time: 30 minutes
- In-Person and Digital Performances Available
Sky Bear
Through June 2021
Adapted and set to music by Wishing Chair Productions, Sky Bear is a Native American folktale about how the Milky Way was formed. This lovely story is told with marionettes created by Wood and Strings Puppet Company. A treat for the whole family.
- Running time: 25 minutes
- In Person and Virtual Performances Available
Many Moons
Starting in July
Your entire family will enjoy this musical version of Many Moons, the Caldecott-Award winning classic written by James Thurber and illustrated by Louis Slobodkin. Our production features the fabulous Peeko Puppets!
- Running time: 40 minutes
- In Person with Indoor and Outdoor Options Available
- Virtual Performances Available
The Frog Prince
Starting in July
A fun musical production, featuring the fabulous Tichenor Marionettes, The Frog Prince tells the story of a lonely frog and a spoiled princess. With the help of a golden ball, the frog teaches the princess the true meaning of friendship. Adapted by Brian Hull with original songs by Brian Hull and Sarah Hart.
- Running time: 30 minutes
- In Person with Indoor and Outdoor Options Available
- Virtual Performances Available
Reserve the Puppet Truck
Shows
The Puppet Truck rotates shows available each season. Shows are subject to availability.
Bringing Books to Life! may offer different Puppet Truck shows to its partner sites than are available to the community. Learn more about the Bringing Books to Life! program.
Eligibility
The Puppet Truck is available to daycare centers, preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, senior centers and other organizations and institutions across Davidson County. It is also available for community events in Davidson County that are open to the public.
The Puppet Truck is not available for birthday parties, private events or outside Davidson County.
Performance Requirements
The following requirements must be met in order for the Puppet Truck to successfully conduct a performance at your location:
- Location must be within Nashville and Davidson County.
- Access to an electrical outlet
- Performance space of at least 8′ x 8′ x 8′ (this measurement is subject to change based on specific show requirements)
- Direct access into the performance space with no obstacles between the parking lot and the entrance
- Freight elevator required for locations with second floor performance spaces
- Parking space to accommodate a 15′ box truck
What People are Saying
This was our first time having the Puppet Truck and I will book them again and again and again! Our children loved the performance.
– The Gardner School of Midtown
This was my first experience with the Puppet Truck although Steve Martin, our librarian, did schedule the truck last year but I was unable to see the show. What a super resource this is for our children – with the price of school buses doubling; now $200 per bus based on carrying 66 children – we would never have been able to bring all of our students to the library for the show. Because the truck was able to present the show twice, once yesterday afternoon at 1:30 pm and again this morning at 9:00, the entire school was able to attend and have this experience. The show is not only highly entertaining; it is also a real learning experience.
– Norman Binkley Elementary School
Many teachers thanked us for getting the Puppet Truck & several commented that they would not have thought a puppet show could be so good. The students loved the show and being able to ask questions. It was nice that the students got to see & talk to the puppeteers! This was great in so many ways & will be used as TCAP review for storytelling and medieval time period. Thank you!
– Bellevue Middle School
Both of the puppeteers, on Tuesday and today, were fantastic and did the best with that they could with the virtual setting. We loved seeing the different puppets that they brought out and the demonstrations of how they work. They were so patient in answering the questions of our students. Thank you for making this possible virtual during these pandemic times.
– St. Joseph School
The Nashville Public Library’s Puppet Truck is one of the most valuable programs for all the Nashville children. There is a lesson to learn from each and every program…the children loved the Ellingtown virtual puppet show this morning. The puppeteers took questions from the children today and were so good at explaining the difference between the puppets ( rods, strings…) and showed the children how they worked them. Thank you again for coming.
– Gower Elementary
Our Abe’s Garden Community Memory Support residents absolutely love the Puppet Truck! The residents were very engaged and the puppeteers are excellent at what they do. The show was easy to follow and extremely entertaining. Come again!
– Abe’s Garden
Contact Us
Bret Wilson
Puppet Truck Supervisor
Wishing Chair Productions
(615) 880-2263
bret.wilson@nashville.gov
Marie Preptit
Bringing Books to Life! Program Coordinator
Bringing Books To Life
(615) 880-1625
marie.preptit@nashville.gov
Brian Hull
Wishing Chair Production Company Manager
Wishing Chair Productions
(615) 862-5788
brian.hull@nashville.gov
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