Our Story

Founded in 1981 in Fremantle, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is Western Australia’s longest-running theatre company and a recognised leader in puppetry nationally and internationally.

Each year, we present seasons in Perth and tour regionally, nationally, and abroad, engaging more than 200,000 people in the joy of storytelling through puppetry.

We nurture emerging and established artists through Australia’s only tertiary training in puppetry (in partnership with WAAPA) and professional development opportunities including masterclasses and an Artist in Residence program.

Beyond performance, Spare Parts delivers year-round education and community programs that foster creativity and connection across all ages. Initiatives such as Puppet Playtime for early years, Marionettes and Memories for seniors, and schools performances and School of Puppetry workshops engage thousands of children annually, often providing a first experience of live theatre.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre continues to thrive as a vibrant organisation champions the artistry of puppetry for communities everywhere.

Vision

To be internationally renowned as a Centre of Excellence in Puppetry.

Purpose

Through puppetry we share stories that connect and inspire audiences across generations.

Values

Imagination

  • We create adventurous and enriching theatre that expands the way audiences see, feel and experience the world.
  • We are courageous.
  • We experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of the art form.
  • Our artistic offerings heighten the imagination.
  • We create contemporary puppetry works, fusing puppetry, digital arts, dance, visual arts, music, theatre and story telling.

Joy

  • We are an energetic, fun-loving and playful company.
  • We bring joy to our audiences offering insight and perspectives into our lives.

Inclusion

  • Our work reflects the diversity of the communities we live and present our work to.
  • We strive to remove barriers to our work and seek opportunities to increase accessibility across performances, physical venue, employment and participation.

Celebrating what it is to be human

  • Through puppetry we engage with timeless and universal themes, exploring and celebrating what it is to be human.
  • We reflect diversity, connection, emotional literacy, our identity as Western Australians and connection to place.

Excellence

  • We strive for personal and professional excellence in everything we do.
  • We treasure our audiences with an uncompromising commitment to quality.
  • Our puppets are beautifully and superbly hand-crafted.
  • We are leaders in the art form and artist development for puppetry.