25th Annual Paper Theatre Festival | Exhibition

The 25th Annual Paper Theatre Festival runs July 14 through September 27 at Geisel Library in La Jolla. The exhibition sits on the second floor in The Nest and is free.

What You Will See

This is the oldest continually running paper theatre festival in the United States. The display shows 25 seasons of miniature theatrical works. Pieces come from students, staff, alumni, and community members.

Paper theatre uses cut-out scenery sheets, costumed paper dolls, and condensed scripts. The form started in Victorian-era London as a souvenir and home entertainment. Families reenacted plays they saw in miniature.

Visiting

Geisel Library is at 9701 Hopkins Drive on the UC San Diego campus. The exhibition is open to the public during the building's normal hours. An opening reception happens on Tuesday, July 14.

For an informal pop-up performance in front of the exhibition on a prearranged date, contact curator Scott Paulson at spaulson@ucsd.edu.

A good stop for crafters, theatre fans, and anyone curious about a niche art form with deep local roots.