Columbia Marionette Theater
The Columbia Marionette Theatre is proud to present a brand new production, Hansel & Gretel. This unique adaptation of the classic Grimms fairy tale his based on a look inspired by early animation, with tall, gangly black and white puppets reminiscent of early cartoons. The puppets, coupled with projected computer animation, appear to be moving through a deep and dark, dimensional forest. These diverse elements are coupled with a soundtrack featuring an upbeat swing score, which was compiled in collaboration with silent film accompanist Dave Drazin. The end result is an exciting show that entices the senses, exudes warmth and humor, and is enjoyable for the whole family.
Founded in 1988 by famed puppeteer Allie Scollon and her son John, the Columbia Marionette Theatre (CMT) has established itself as a premiere children's theatre in South Carolina. Our mission is to entertain and educate children and adults through the long-standing tradition and artistry of puppetry.
Originally housed in a turn-of-the-century warehouse in the Vista, the theatre moved in 1995 to a building specifically designed and built for its use at its current location near Riverfront Park. Rededicated as The Allie Scollon Puppetry Center in 2006, the theatre features puppets from a few inches tall to over five feet appearing on a 30-foot stage.
The theatre is open to the public and hosts daycare and school field trips any day of the week. In addition, CMT tours educational and entertaining shows throughout the state.
The Columbia Marionette Theatre is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
Our Staff
John Scollon, Executive Director
As a second generation puppeteer, John Scollon has been a puppeteer all his life. He was touring nationally by age 15, and co-founded CMT in 1989. He has written and directed many CMT productions over the years, including Pinocchio, Jack and the Giants, and the Brementown Musicians. John is also an accomplished musician and songwriter.
Lyon Forrest Hill, Artistic Director
Lyon joined the Columbia Marionette Theatre in 1997 and has been a puppeteer for nearly every production since then. He has directed several shows for CMT, including Greek Myths, Aladdin, and Frankenstein. Lyon began making puppets for new productions in 2000. He has studied puppetmaking in Prague and his puppets have been shown internationally. You can see Lyon's artwork at www.mermecolion.com.
Cooper Leigh Hill, Business and Marketing Manager
The latest addition to the staff, Cooper brings her talents as a puppeteer and her skills in arts management and marketing to the theatre. Cooper has a degree in Arts Management from the College of Charleston, and has worked as a puppeteer at the theatre since January 2010. She looks forward to improving the theatre's business and advertising strategies to reach audiences of all ages.
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