GiveBIG to Thistle Theatre!

Puppets are a little bit magic.

Thistle Theatre brings a bit of magic and learning to Pacific Northwest audiences of all ages through puppetry and has been doing so for 32 years.

Sister Fox in Brother Coyote and Sister FoxThistle Theatre's puppet shows encompass popular stories from around the world, workshops & school assembly events that support science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, and Thistle Theatre brings the power of collaborative storytelling by actively engaging with diverse local communities to collaborate and tell your stories through the beautiful art of puppetry. 

Frog Lake

In 2024, we continue this tradition with upcoming performances of our favorite shows and by developing new puppetry entertainment that serves our Washington state and Pacific northwest communities.

Funny Woman Who Lost Her Dumpling

Non profits like Thistle Theatre are still struggling financially since the pandemic and every little bit helps. If the magic of puppetry has brought joy to you or your loved ones, please consider supporting us with your gift.

Become a part of the Thistle Family!

Goldilocks and the Three BearsYou can become part of Thistle Theatre's enduring legacy by donating during GiveBIG in any amount. For example:

• $5000 : Sponsors development of an entire new classroom show with activities
• $500 : Sponsors one performance of a legacy show
• $50 : Sponsors one rehearsal of a puppet show
• $ Any Amount will help us meet our development goals!

Or... become part of Thistle Theatre by joining our the Thistle Theatre Board. 

We are looking for supporters to join our team as we develop strategic and business plans for both short and long term. Please email gavin@thistletheatre.org for more information.

Why I support Thistle Theatre

I became a professional puppeteer with Thistle Theatre in 1994, playing Benjamin Bunny, a Crocodile, a golden leaf monkey, a cloud, many characters in fables from all over the world, and talking Christmas treats, among my favorites.

Jack & the Beanstalk puppeteers & puppets 

We packed the entire puppet theater - lights, rigging and stage "floor" at table height, plus puppets, puppeteers, props, music, lights, and complete puppet-sized whimsical sets - into a van and toured libraries, schools and public events, and even some private shows, from Washington to Idaho, letting the puppets meet audience members after each show to great delight. Sometimes our puppet shows were just for fun, and often they were fun and you might even learn something. 

Baba Yaga and the Bag of Gold

Through its art, Thistle Theatre engages people of all ages and allows them to explore intellectual and emotional content in a safe environment.

The Gingerbread Boy

Being a Thistle Theatre puppeteer was one of my earliest professional artistic jobs and it reinforced my creative passion that people need art and creativity in all aspects of their life.

Recent Changes at Thistle

When Thistle's founder, my friend, Jean Enticknap, unexpectedly passed away in late 2021, I became more actively involved again as a volunteer with transitioning Thistle Theatre to new leadership with a more broad, sustainable business model.

King of Dinosauria

As former artists with Thistle, we want to keep this important arts organization going forward and focused on its original & continuing goals of arts and education for young people and their families in Washington State and beyond.

 Hanako and the Cherry Tree

Now in its 32nd year, Thistle Theatre continues to provide public shows, to leverage grants to perform for free or reduced cost, touring to perform and collaborate with underserved communities all around the Pacific northwest, and providing new STEAM content tools for schools and other organizations.

Upcoming Public Events from Thistle Theatre

Public performances coming this summer!

• Sat 6/22 Sammamish KC Public Library 11:30 am “Winnie the Pooh”
• Sat 6/22 Snoqualmie KC Public Library  3:30 pm “Winnie the Pooh”
• Sun 6/23 Duvall KC Public Library 1:00 pm “Brother Coyote and Sister Fox”

Brother Coyote and Sister Fox

• Sun 7/7 Seattle Japanese Garden Tanabata Festival tba “New Work”
• Sat 7/13 Ballard Seafood Fest tba “Winnie the Pooh”
• Tues 7/23 DeMoines KC Public Library 2:00 pm “The Bremen Town Musicians”
• Thur 8/8 Kingsgate KC Public Library 10:30 am “The Bremen Town Musicians”
• Wed 8/14-17 Puppet-Palooza Regional Puppet Festival TBA 

Visit our website or sign up on the Thistle Theatre mailing list to get regular newsletter updates about Thistle Theatre's work and public performances.

Merry Chris Mouse

I am thrilled that more generations will get to experience the joy and art of Thistle Theatre, and I would love for you to join us.

Please support Thistle Theatre in any way you can.

Thank you.

Gail Javarah Wamba, former Thistle Theatre puppeteer

Frog Lake