Masks and puppets are tools of transformation. They are a kind of seismograph of the consciousness that we have of ourselves and others. They are powerful tools of empowerment and group collaboration; keys to cross-cultural and intercultural performance.

Over a period of twenty-five years the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre has acted as a catalyst and as a resource centre and a lead agency for all those with an interest in mask and puppet theatre.

Our building is a mini cultural complex with studio theatre (100 seats), foyer, standing exhibition of masks and puppets from around the world, cafe, shop, box office, seminar room with extensive library and audio-visual collection, office complex with archive and documentation section, guest rooms, textile studio, and production and design workshops.

Our Centre contains some unique resources: The Miles Lee Collection of Puppets and Marionettes; The Malcolm Knight Collection of Masks and Puppets;The Caricature Theatre Collection;advanced mask-making workshops equipped for woodcarving, leather, fibre-glass and silicon casting,and foam latex.

Between 1995-2004 we provided a substantial two-year full-time foundation training course in partnership with our sponsor Anniesland College - the Higher National Diploma in Puppet Theatre Arts-with no age limits. This course was 'hands-on' and requires high levels of motivation, stamina and committment.

We specialise in cultural animation projects, professional training, international residencies and transcultural workshops, education and therapy work, touring exhibitions and performances, film and special effects, research and publications.
We create theatre, direct projects, teach workshops, design exhibitions, make masks and puppets on commission, promote mask and puppet work within the sector, and continue to learn and gather momentum from our collaborations.

The Centre is core-funded by Glasgow City Council, with occasional project funds from The Scottish Arts Council, The Carnegie UK Trust, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, the National Lottery and other private trusts and foundations. Computer services courtesy of Praxsys.

Our philosophy is one of radical humanism. We seek to channel life through performing objects as an antidote to the globalisation which so often reduces people to objects.

We believe that the theatre of masks, puppets and performing objects is embedded in the language of world theatre, and that it is both a popular and an avant-garde tradition of central importance in twentieth century theatre. We also believe that it is an art form in its own right and not an adjunct to children's and young people's theatre.

Thank you for visiting our site. Please come to visit us if you are coming to Scotland. Be assured of a warm welcome and 'Freedom Come All Ye.'

Charity registered in Scotland number: SCO 14379 .Company Limited by Guarantee number: 94166.