Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater551

Marie Hitchcock was a puppeteer who used to conduct shows in Balboa Park. The theater created in her memory is located at the Pan American Plaza area near the San Diego Automotive Museum.

The theater itself is old and charming, housed in one of the Hopi-style adobe structures built in the 1930s. The shows delight little children five days a week with a repertoire that includes classic tales, comedies, and musicals.

The puppeteers use all types of puppets - including hand puppets, marionettes, shadow puppets, and ventriloquist puppets - to ply their charms. Each is an independent contractor, which not only enlivens the variety of material offered for performances, it's a great resource for birthday party entertainment. The staff is only too happy to oblige and will provide contact information for specific performers on request.

For $12 per card, kids can join Tico's Puppet Club which entitles them to receive the Tico Newsletter four times a year and a birthday card from Tico on their birthday. After purchasing the card, the first and 12th visits are free; at the fourth visit, kids receive a free puppet and after the eighth visit, the child and parent are entitled to a backstage tour.

Winter Schedule (Sept 1-Jun 15): Wed-Fri 10am & 11:30am, Sat and Sun 11am, 1pm, & 2:30pm. Summer Schedule (June 15-Sept 1): Wed-Sun 11am, 1pm, & 2:30pm