A brand new concept for the 16th Street Mall by Starry Night Productions

The Starlight Puppet Theatre is a permanent public art installation and live performance venue designed to activate the 16th Street Mall with creativity, storytelling, and community connection. Shaped like a whimsical tree, the structure doubles as a sculptural landmark and a fully functional puppet theater. From May through September, it will host over 160 live performances annually, presented by a rotating ensemble of diverse local puppeteers.

More than just a stage, the Starlight Puppet Stage is a placemaking tool — a space where residents and visitors can pause, engage, and return. Each month features a new original show, drawing families, downtown workers, tourists, and passersby into a shared cultural experience. Even when not in use, the structure invites interaction through its magical design and visible presence on the mall.

The project offers opportunities for additional activations along the corridor, including pop-up workshops, shadow puppet nights, and storybook-themed community events — all reinforcing the mall as a destination for creativity and inclusive public programming.

By combining public art, live performance, and accessible design, the Starlight Puppet Stage supports Denver’s goals for vibrant street life, cultural equity, and pedestrian-centered downtown renewal.

“INACTIVE” BUT STILL ACTIVE

When closed, the Starlight Puppet Theatre functions as a sculptural public art piece that enhances the visual identity of the 16th Street Mall. Its nature-inspired design invites curiosity and serves as a photo-worthy landmark in its own right. Integrated speakers and embedded tactile elements allow for interactive sound experiences during non-performance hours, turning the structure into a dynamic, hands-on feature for visitors of all ages. Designed with durability and public engagement in mind, the installation provides a consistent, artistic presence that aligns with the city’s goals for activating underutilized space, fostering pedestrian connection, and enriching Denver’s cultural streetscape year-round.

IT’S PUPPET TIME

The Starlight Puppet Theatre will showcase original performances by local puppeteers, providing paid opportunities for artists to develop and present their work in a highly visible, public setting. Each puppeteer will receive a stipend in recognition of their creative labor, supporting Denver’s growing cultural economy and reinforcing the city’s commitment to equitable arts funding. Performances will be offered free of charge, making high-quality, family-friendly theater accessible to all. In addition, puppeteers will have the opportunity to sell their own merchandise during showtimes, contributing to downtown vibrancy and generating additional sales tax revenue. This model fosters local entrepreneurship, celebrates artistic diversity, and transforms the mall into a platform for creative economic exchange.

CONCEPT IMAGE ONLY