25th Annual Paper Theatre Festival | Exhibition

The 25th Annual Paper Theatre Festival exhibition is open at UC San Diego's Geisel Library from July 14 through September 27, 2026. Find it on the second floor in The Nest. Admission is free.

The Smallest Show on Earth Paper theatre, also known as tabletop or toy theatre, dates back to Victorian-era London. Families re-enacted plays they saw by cutting and pasting souvenir poster kits with scenery sheets, paper dolls, and condensed scripts. This vintage educational toy is making a comeback.

25 Seasons on Display The UC San Diego Library hosts the oldest continually running paper theatre festival in the United States. This exhibition showcases 25 seasons of miniature theatrical wonders created by students, staff, alumni, and community members. Featured artists this year include Scott Paulson, Rachel Almodovar, Elizabeth Hines, Carin Wallace, Anastasia Hunter, Christina Continelli, and Nancy So Miller.

Plan Your Visit Browse the exhibition during regular Geisel Library hours. If you would like an informal pop-up performance in front of the display, contact exhibition curator Scott Paulson at spaulson@ucsd.edu to arrange a date and time.