We are moving!
Heart of the Beast Finds a New Home!
MINNEAPOLIS (September 9, 2025) – In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) is excited to announce it found a new home at a storefront in the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood of Minneapolis. The future move comes after 38 years at The Avalon Theatre in South Minneapolis and creates more accessible spaces for art making and engagement for the community.
Programming will begin on November 1st at the new location (2411 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis). As it did at The Avalon, HOBT will continue to host community workshops, camps, artist gatherings, performances, storytime, and the puppet library which is open on the first and third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During that time, visitors can view a selection of artist made puppets and check out items for their own use at home.
“This move is more than just a change of address, it’s a commitment to equity and participation,” says Ellen Alphonso, HOBT Treasurer. “By relocating to a space that is physically accessible, HOBT is opening its doors wider and more people can experience the joy, artistry, and community that puppetry and the creative arts bring to life.”
To celebrate this monumental change, Heart of the Beast will host a House Party on September 25 at its new home. This will be a fundraising event in support of the HOBT capital campaign which aims to help cover some of the costs associated with the move, accessibility improvements in the new space, and programming. The goal is to raise $100,000 by the end of this year. For guests attending the house party, they can expect tours of the new space and learn how programming will benefit from it, a taco bar, drinks, and a puppet show.
“Providing hands on experiences across the age and cultural spectrum enlivens the investigation of who we are to ourselves and to the world,” says Anita Newhouse, HOBT Secretary. “We're thrilled to take this next step as an organization, exploring the potential of a new space and new neighbors!”
Donations will be accepted at the House Party using a QR code. If unable to attend, donations can be made now at https://www.hobt.org/donate.
During the transition, you’ll still find HOBT in the community through its upcoming programs:
· Sept. 20 – HOBT at Open Streets on Hennepin
· Sept. 25 – House Party
· Sept. 27 – Puppet Caravan from Lake to Hennepin
o Saying goodbye to The Avalon with a colorful, puppet-filled ride and drive to Hennepin
· Oct. 4 – Storytime at Midtown Global Market
· Oct. 12 – Community Moving Day
o All are invited to help the HOBT team pack up The Avalon as moving preparations continue
· Oct. 18 – Storytime in a community space near HOBT’s new home
· Oct. 25 - Community Moving Day
ABOUT:
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre nurtures creative empowerment through the joy and magic of puppetry performance and education. https://hobt.org/
Contact: Mike Haberman, mhaberman@nemerfieger.com, 612-432-9898
Courtesy of Heart of the Beast
