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The Elsenpeter Marionettes, headed by Mr. Richard Elsenpeter, are a professional full-time performing Marionette company who has entertained millions of school children in live shows for over 139 years.  Besides performing more than 200 plus programs nationally each year,   Mr. Elsenpeter will write, produce, create and carve an entirely new program annually.  The Elsenpeter Marionettes specialize in children’s classics and adapt stories with which most children are familiar.

The Elsenpeter Marionettes tradition of puppetry started in Elen, Germany approximately 139 years ago, by Richard’s great grand father.  Their traditional form of puppetry has been handed down through four generations.  Richard describes his form of puppetry as the “old world style of puppetry.”  It’s very nostalgic and is rarely seen any more in America because of its technical difficulties.

Each program is especially written for the Marionettes theatre.  Every detail has been carefully designed to achieve a perfect dramatic production in miniature.  Richard’s skillful manipulation of the Marionettes transforms the 2 foot tale, hand carved, wooden dolls into living characters with definite personalities.

The Elsenpeter program delights the young and the young-at-heart while stressing the importance of education and reading.  Our goal is to give children an outlet for their fantasies while making a lasting impression on them.

"The assembly was excellent! We enjoyed the intermission breaks."
– Rockford, IL

"Always a great show! Thanks!"
– Rossville, KS

"Wonderful! This is a way to keep the classics in my school."
– Blytheville, AR

"Your performers were fabulous (as always)"
– Chester, IL

"Thank you for the wonderful program!! The evaluations were awesome."
– Independence, MO

"...the best performance so far ... very delightful & fun!"
– Fairfield, IA

"We were very pleased with your company. Hope to have you again."
– Nevada, MO

"Everyone enjoyed the show very much. Very organized and presented well."
– Otis, KS