The Fairy Tailor
A whimsical, interactive production guaranteed to inspire audiences of all ages!
Artist: Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion, Resident Artist of Puppet Showplace
Length: 50 - 55 minutes; or the show can be shortened to between 30 to 45 minutes
Age Group: 4 - 10
Puppetry Style: Hand, Shadow, Object Puppetry
Curriculum Connections: Folk tales, facing fears, shadow & light
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Meet the Fairy Tailor, hard at work in her enchanted shop, where dressing racks and laundry baskets are known to have a mind of their own. Watch as she transforms everyday garments into extraordinary characters, and shares stories of bravery, from “Little Red Riding Hood(ie),” to “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” With the audience’s help, the Fairy Tailor summons the courage to take a stand against a giant, crafting a solution that combines cleverness with creativity. This colorful, interactive production is guaranteed to inspire audiences of all ages.
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Space Requirements
Minimum space dimensions of stage area (not including audience seating)
Width: 16’ • Depth: 10' • Height: 7.5'
Performer requires a nearby bathroom or dressing space to change into costume. Space must be clean and free of furniture or other obstructions at arrival. If the stage is not ready when we arrive, we may not be able to begin the performance on time.
Lighting and Sound
This show travels with its own PA system and wireless microphone. “The Fairy Tailor” requires at least two standard outlets available within 20' of the stage. It can be performed in standard room lighting, but the room light will need to be turned off during a part of the show for a shadow puppet sequence. The room needs to be able to get very dark. If this is not possible, an alternate version of the show can be performed without the shadow sequence.
Running Time
Full show running time varies between 50 and 55 minutes. If your event needs a shorter running time, please inform us. The show can be shortened to between 30 to 45 minutes to accommodate a limited time window. At your request, we can offer an additional meet and greet with photo opportunities after the show at no additional charge.
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Arrival & Setup
The performer will arrive two hours before the scheduled show time. The space will be ready for the audience to enter 10 minutes before show time. If load-in is more than 100 yards from car to stage, above the ground floor, or involves any other complication, please inform us ahead of time. Ramp access is necessary to load into a location. If the space is above the ground floor, the performer must have elevator access.
Parking
This show travels in one vehicle. If parking is not available on the premises or within the immediate area, let us know so that we can plan to arrive earlier to allow for parking time.
Strike and Load-Out
This show can be struck within one hour, barring any of the issues mentioned in the “Arrival & Setup” section (parking far away, performance space on higher floor in building etc.)
About the Artist
Sarah Nolen is a puppeteer and filmmaker known for her versatile work across multiple puppetry styles. Originally from Texas, Sarah lives in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she works as a freelance puppeteer, director, and puppet builder for both stage and screen through her company, Puppet Motion.
Currently, she is the third-ever resident artist at Puppet Showplace Theater, touring family puppet shows and teaching puppetry to all ages. Most recently, Sarah was a shadow puppet fabricator for A.R.T.'s The Odyssey (2025), built a puppet and puppeteered in Adam McKay's Don’t Look Up (2021), and directed Sandglass Theater's latest puppet production Feral (2024). In June 2025, Sarah premiered Party Animals, a new touring family puppet show with original music by Phil Berman.
