In 1986 the Museum at Campbell River introduced its puppet theatre program, bringing local history to life in an innovative and entertaining way.
The program quickly became a tremendous success; in 1990 it was given an award by the British Columbia Museums Association for “creative use of the visual arts to imbue in the children of the community an appreciation of their history and culture.”
For three decades the public has delighted in witnessing the past unfold before its eyes through colourful performances by such characters as the notorious Ripple Rock, venerable Captain Vancouver and rugged Fred Nunns.
For many members of the community, puppet theatre has left a lasting impact. “Nothing beats being a heritage puppeteer,” says Rhea Laube, a former Museum summer student. “The closest I’ve ever been to a celebrity was those three summers at the Museum at Campbell River. One weekend downtown a little boy in a Spiderman t-shirt started yelling and pointing ‘Mom, mom! It’s the puppet girl! It’s the puppet girrrrrl!!’ I felt like I’d finally made it.”
Laube is just one of 58 people who have served as puppeteers in the history of the program.
The Museum at Campbell River is proud to announce that the puppets will be returning for their 30th consecutive summer season to charm audiences with their grand tales once more. Additionally, this summer’s puppet theatre will feature the introduction of a brand new puppet play, Aliens Among Us, to compliment the Museum’s temporary gallery exhibit running this summer. From June 30 through August 18, the puppets will be performing every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Museum. The cost is $2 per person and children ages 2 and under are free.
Were you a puppeteer with the Museum at Campbell River? The Museum is seeking out previous puppeteers to hear their stories and experiences and join in the celebration.
The Museum at Campbell River is located at 470 Island Highway. Visit www.crmuseum.ca/puppet-theatre for a complete listing of this summer’s puppet shows. For more information about puppet theatre call 250-287-3101 or e-mail, summer.programs@crmuseum.ca