ALVA PUPPET THEATER is thrilled to present The Harlem Doll Palace as the headliner of Puppetopia 2025 May 21 - June 2 at HERE Arts Center (145 6th Ave)! This adaptation of The Doll Plays, also by Alva Rogers, is the culmination of years of development and devising by Alva Rogers and many artists and collaborators. We are proud to be supported by The Jim Henson Foundation, Cheryl Henson, The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA),  Dixon Place, and HERE Arts Center's DREAM Music Puppetry Program.

Show Description:
Welcome to Aunt Len’s Doll and Toy Museum! 

Behind the pink door of a three story Harlem brownstone lies a world created by Lennon Holder Hoyte - affectionately known as Aunt Len. The dolls from her "dollection" seek to keep Aunt Len, their beloved museum founder, alive before the outside world can invoke its realities of life, ashes and dust. As Harlem deteriorates around her beloved doll museum, the dolls recreate their journeys to the museum in an effort to keep Aunt Len’s memory alive. 

Enter the world of the Harlem Doll Palace.
Remember, an appointment is necessary for admission.

Additional Fundraising Goals:
While we have been fortunate to receive many grants in support of this work, we are in need of additional funds to ensure we are paying our performers and production team a livable wage AND to set ourselves up for future touring opportunities.

Production Fees: $3,000
This will help us compensate our Director, Stage Manager, Composer, and Sound Engineer

Performer Fees: $1,500
This will help us compensate our performers and puppeteers

Build and Tech Costs: $1,500
Puppet build, projection design, and printing costs

Show Documentation: $3,000
We are creating a mini documentary to cover the process of creating this work and to honor Aunt Len and her Doll Museum. 

Storage and Travel Costs: $1,000
Building safe ways to store and move puppets and set from one location to the next.