Rainbow Puppet Productions — Puppet Theater for Schools, Libraries & Events
New from Rainbow Puppets
New for 2027!
Time Capsule
For 50 years, Rainbow founder David Messick has been creating magical summer puppet adventures. This milestone season, we are unlocking a time capsule overflowing with beloved memories and legendary characters!
Prepare to reunite with Pirates, the Big Bad Wolf, and more favorite creatures from decades past. Plus, for the very first time, discover what happens next to Chessie the Manatee! You loved his journey to the Chesapeake Bay—now, follow Chessie on a brand-new adventure to New York City.
This special production features long-lost, historic recordings by Broadway icons Carol Channing (Hello, Dolly!) and Geoffrey Holder (Annie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Will there be a dinosaur or two inside? There is only one way to find out!
Summer dates are filling up fast! Act now to secure this historic, milestone performance for your upcoming schedule.
This project is supported in part by grants from the Newport News Arts Commission, the Norfolk Arts Commission, and the York County Arts Commission.
email info@rainbowpuppets.com or call us at 757 851-3266
If you missed them last summer, they are still around!
The Really Big Dinosaur Show
Imagine that the bones and fossils of ancient dinosaurs could come back to life — what stories they might tell. Well, there's no need to imagine any more as Rainbow Puppet Productions presents 'The Really Big Dinosaur Show.' Through original songs and the use of over twenty giant puppets, the time of the dinosaurs appears on stage. The program features an eight-foot-tall T-Rex and another dinosaur that's over 16 feet long. We've presented it at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, New York's American Museum of Natural History, and at a 103-performance run at the Virginia Living Museum. Everyone gets to join in the grand finale... dancing the Dinosaur Hop!
Contact us at info@rainbowpuppets.com for details!
A great big celebration for any time of year
Mother Goose Celebrations
Mother Goose and all her friends have special programs for any time of year. This year's Mother Goose Show includes a musical re-telling of the classic tale, "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and a musical version of "Little Red Riding Hood." We can customize the show to include special celebrations for Easter, Christmas, New Years Day, and many other holidays.
See all of our Classic ProgramsThanks to all of our supporters.
If you or your organization would like to help us and our mission, please email info@rainbowpuppets.com or call us at 757 851-3266.
Shows that entertain, educate, and enlighten...
Classic Programs
Timeless stories and beloved characters brought to life through the art of puppetry.
School Assembly Programs
Science, technology, engineering, and math made fun and engaging with puppet magic.
Character Programs
Favorite storybook characters come alive in interactive, educational performances.
History Programs
Bringing history to life through storytelling, music, and spectacular puppetry.
Music and Video
Original songs, recordings, and video productions from Rainbow Puppet Productions.
About Us
Learn about our mission, history, and the talented artists behind Rainbow Puppets.
Who are the Rainbow Puppets?
Our Mission
Rainbow Puppet Productions entertains, educates, and enlightens children and families through the magical art of puppetry. We bring stories to life in ways that spark imagination and inspire learning.
Our History
For over 40 years, Rainbow Puppet Productions has been delighting audiences across the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast. From humble beginnings to performing at the Smithsonian and major museums, we've grown into one of the region's most beloved puppet theater companies.
Our Artists
Our talented team of puppeteers, musicians, and storytellers bring passion and creativity to every performance. Led by founder David Messick, our artists are dedicated to the craft of puppetry and the joy it brings to audiences of all ages.
Upcoming Events
Contact Us
Tell us about your event and we'll bring the puppets to you
Rainbow Puppet Productions
18 Easthill Court, Hampton, VA 23664, US
Our Store is Now Open!
Check out our latest books and CD's... before they are available at Amazon or other retailers! Shipping is always free and get 20% off when you order two or more items. Just use coupon code MULTI
SHOP NOWIn Person or On-Line!
Virtual Programs and Workshops
We are ready to help you with on-line performances of our favorite shows. We can host a page for your users, set up a Zoom performance, or be a part of your Facebook live event.
- ▶AMAZON ADVENTURES narrated by Geoffrey Holder
- ▶FOLLOW ME - a musical adventure with the Tuskegee Airmen
- ▶JONAH!
- ▶The MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ
- ▶The MOTHER GOOSE SHOW
- ▶The NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - narrated by Mickey Rooney
- ▶NOAH'S FLOATING ZOO
- ▶OPEN A BOOK!
- ▶PIRATE PARTY - with Mickey Rooney and Carol Channing
- ▶TAKE A GIANT LEAP!
- ▶TERRIFIC TALES — Hansel & Gretel, the Three Bears, and more!
- ▶The WETLAND REVUE
Virtual Storytime!
Have the Rainbow Puppets join your virtual story times with songs, stories, and craft ideas!
Video Classes, Virtual Performances, Online Workshops!
Call us to assist with your summer reading program! We also have lots of free activities available right here!