Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you perform your puppet shows?

The Fox Folk Marionette & Friends perform at libraries, schools, churches, museums, daycare centers, senior living centers, and other community venues as well as for private functions.

Do you ever perform outdoors?

Fox Folk Marionettes & Friends do not perform outdoor shows because of the priceless value of our marionettes. They are irreplaceable. 

What ages are your shows written for?

Our performances are family friendly and appropriate for all ages. We have performed for preschool children to senior citizens. They are especially enjoyed by children ages 4 – 10 years old & senior citizens.

Are your shows interactive?

Our performances encourage the audience to get involved and participate. This is especially true of shows that add the workshop component.

Where did you get your puppets and who writes the stories and songs performed in your puppet shows?

Our collection of hand-crafted marionettes come from a variety of sources. Most were built by a dedicated team of men and women from All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton along with Bruce and Barbara Purdy. The puppets were crafted to tell the story of Christmas. In 2003-04, arrangements were made by the Purdy family to donate the collection to Fox Valley Lutheran High School (FVL) of Appleton so that the tradition could continue.

At FVL, the name Fox Folk Marionettes was adopted, and Mr. Dave Payne became the director of the troupe. Since that time, the troupe has expanded its repertoire into Easter as well as Christmas tales and some fairy tale productions. Donations of marionettes and other puppets have expanded the collection. 

Mr. Payne retired in June 2021 after working with the school to create the non-profit entity Fox Folk Marionettes & Friends, Inc. to continue the puppeteering tradition that goes back to the mid-1960's in Appleton.

Who performs your shows?

All our shows are performed by members of FFM&F team. Our main performers are Dave and Cassie Payne who have decades of experience in puppetry and are members of the Puppetry Guild of America. For certain shows, they are assisted by our board members, long-time supporters and past puppeteers.

Where can we see Fox Folk Marionettes & Friends perform?

You can find a listing of our public performances by going to the Shows tab and clicking on Now Playing. We look forward to seeing you at a future performance.

Can you perform a show using TV show/movie characters like the Muppets?

We cannot legally perform other company’s licensed characters or stories.