The La Jolla Historical Society is proud to present The Smallest Show on Earth: Paper Theaters Explored, which celebrates the long history and recent creative innovations in this unique art form. Paper theatres, also known as toy theatres, originated to promote productions in Victorian Era London. They were printed on paperboard sheets and sold as kits at the concession stand of an opera house, playhouse, or vaudeville theater. Aspects of set design were shown on the posters along with representations of actual actors of the company (shown in costume from a specific production). Condensed scripts were included in these poster kits and paper doll players were soon seen in lively productions on a tabletop at home, with many aspects of theatre arts being introduced to producers and performers of all ages.
Now through January 22, 2022
La Jolla Historical Society
780 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
