“Fifty-five seats. That’s all it takes to ignite a child’s imagination.” Welcome to the Theater der kleinen Form in Berlin’s Friedrichshain. This isn’t just any theater. It’s a haven for puppetry a place where giants and mice coexist. Founded in 2007 by Evelyn Geller a graduate of the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts this intimate space showcases the magic of puppetry. Geller herself studied puppetry. She turned a personal dream into a thriving cultural center. The Berlin Senate for Culture and Europe even recognized her achievement with an award.
The Theater der kleinen Form isn’t limited to performances. It also offers a vibrant array of classes. Kids from nine months to three years old can dance and play in music and movement courses. Older children can unleash their creativity in theater workshops. Designing costumes and crafting fantastical stories are part of the fun. During the week the theater extends its reach into kindergartens and schools.
Imagine the variety here. From tiny 20cm hand puppets to towering 2m figures. The shows are diverse. You might see table puppets shadow plays or even puppets seemingly floating in the air. The performances adapt to different ages. They’re designed to make children laugh and think. They explore modern fairy tales and captivating stories. The Theater der kleinen Form is more than entertainment. It’s a place where children’s imaginations take flight.
The shows usually happen on weekends. But the building is alive throughout the week with children’s laughter. Think of Franz Fühmann’s words “Children are the most grateful the most intelligent the most critical the most understanding the most open-minded the most knowledgeable in short the ideal audience.” Here at Theater der kleinen Form Fühmann’s words ring true. Every performance is a testament to the power of imagination. Every child a future storyteller. Every puppet a catalyst for wonder. The Theater der kleinen Form. A small theater with a big heart. A small space with enormous impact on young minds.