Open Hand Theater celebrates the human experience through puppetry, masks and theater traditions from around the world. We create dynamic educational programs and performances for all ages in order to promote personal and artistic growth and build a welcoming community for all.
Open Hand Theater is 501c3 non-profit organization. The open hands are those of welcome, willingness and commitment as we work together to create a better world.
Open Hand Theater was born out of Seedling Theater of Oneonta New York. Open Hand Theater began its journey in 1980. Its first steps were from a small Syracuse loft studio space in an abandoned warehouse area later to be known as the revitalized Armory Square. The theater moved to Plymouth Congregational Church in 1985 initiating the first of a series of collaborations in the Syracuse community and beyond that have helped set the theater on its current path. From its earliest days, Open Hand Theater has had a strong commitment to community involvement, education, social concerns and community development. Early productions included the Imagination Celebration Parade, winter pageants downtown, and children’s touring performances. Uniquely the theater has worked with such diverse groups as the Onondaga Nation School, and the Skomorokh Theater of Siberia - touring Russia and the US with "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
Hand in Hand Youth Theater, Open Hand's children's theater program, was started in 1989, and our hallmark summer program, Circus Camp, originated in 1991. Open Hand Theater's commitment to children in upstate New York is extensive. Its collaborations with the Syracuse City School District have brought a unique opportunity for a broad range of young people, and the educational touring shows both educate and delight children around subjects such as literacy, science, cross-cultural education and character development.
In 1999 the theater purchased the Castle on North Salina Street and opened the International Mask and Puppet Museum, a unique center for performance and the puppetry arts. Open Hand Theater conducts innovative collaborations and partnerships. Past collaborations have included productions of "Sleeping Beauty" with Syracuse Ballet, "Amahl and the Night Visitors" with Plymouth Congregational Church, and unforgettable production of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" with Syracuse Opera.
In December of 2014, the founder, Geoff Navias, announced his retirement. In May of 2015, Peter Fekete signed on as the Artistic Director, and Andrea Wandersee joined as the Managing Director. Together they have worked to ensure the organization's mission and key programs continue to thrive in Central New York. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a new holiday tradition, and local author, Bruce Coville has worked with children in Hand in Hand to create unique Halloween performances. In the Spring of 2017, the Board sold the Castle on North Salina Street and moved Open Hand to Shoppingtown, which provides more accessible and flexible space.