The Bob Baker Marionette Theater Pulls Strings Back Into Zeitgeist

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is raising $7 million to purchase and renovate its Highland Park venue, having already secured $4.7 million. The non-profit organization, which saw 45,000 visitors last year, is transitioning from financial instability to a revival supported by major donors including Jack Black and Brie Larson.

How much is the Bob Baker Marionette Theater raising?

The organization is seeking $5 million to purchase the historic Highland Park stage it took over in 2019 and an additional $2 million for renovations, according to theater leadership. To date, the campaign has raised $4.7 million.

Major contributions have come from the foundations of former NPR CEO Jarl Mohn, media heiress Wallis Annenberg, and the late Univision owner Jerry Perenchio. Other donors include actress Brie Larson and Jack Black, whose wife, Tanya Haden, has worked as a puppeteer on Muppets projects.

Did You Know? Bob Baker’s workshop produced handmade marionettes for major films, including A Star is Born and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, as well as Pinocchios sold at Disneyland.

Why is the theater’s revival significant?

The theater faced severe financial distress and building decay during the final decades of founder Bob Baker’s life before his death in 2014. Production manager Daisy Hernandez noted that the rise of CGI previously sapped the workshop’s film and television opportunities.

Opening Weekend At The Bob Baker Marionette Theater's Winter Wonderland

Stephania Ramirez, CEO of the Perenchio Foundation, stated that the investment provides proof that “attention, craft and the human hand can still hold a room spellbound” in an age of screens. Brie Larson told The Hollywood Reporter that the theater’s existence brings the community together and preserves a craft that might otherwise be lost.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the transition from a private workshop to a donor-supported non-profit reflects a broader shift in how niche heritage arts survive. By diversifying revenue through celebrity endorsements and corporate foundations, the theater is mitigating the risks that once made it vulnerable to technological shifts like CGI.

What changes are coming to the performances?

Artistic director Alex Evans said the company is innovating by recasting or removing puppets that reflected stereotypes from half a century ago. The theater is currently mounting its first original show in over 40 years, “Choo Choo Revue,” which runs through Aug. 30.

The new production features over 100 new puppets, including a cicada jug band and dancing luggage. While many of the 45,000 annual visitors are schoolchildren, co-executive director Mary Fagot said the theater also partners with the indie music promotion group Sid the Cat to attract adult audiences.

If the fundraising goal is met, the theater may be able to fully secure the Highland Park property and complete its planned renovations. Such a move could ensure the long-term preservation of the handcrafted art form for future generations of Angelenos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded the Bob Baker Marionette Theater?
The theater was founded by Bob Baker, a Hollywood High School graduate and former apprentice for George Pal’s Puppetoons.

How many people visited the Highland Park venue last year?
According to theater leadership, 45,000 people visited the venue last year.

What is the current show at the theater?
The theater is currently performing “Choo Choo Revue,” an hour-long production running through Aug. 30.

Do you believe handcrafted arts like puppetry hold a unique value compared to digital entertainment?