Le Theatre de Marionette (LTDM) is an entertainment company that produces mid-to-large stage shows using the European-styled art form of marionette puppetry. The company provides family- based theatrical productions, as well as shows geared to an adult audience (sophisticated content only - not risque'). The larger shows have been described as the Cirque du Soleil of puppetry. LTDM holds contracts with local school districts for their smaller touring and educational shows. They also perform at local cultural institutions, museums and libraries. Brief History LTDM was founded by John Hopkins in 1991 and began in the then-defunct Greyhound bus station in Arlington, TX. In 1995, the theater was moved to NorthPark in Dallas and operated until 2004. In 2000, a second theater was opened at Ridgmar in Fort Worth but closed in 2002 following 9/11. The company became itinerant, performing at theaters, schools, and other venues based from their Irving warehouse. In 2009, the company expanded and started to tour Texas cities and mid-sized theaters. In 2014, LTDM opened Geppetto's Theater at the Hilton Anatole with the support of Hilton and Crow Holdings. This became their new theater home. Corporate Performance Associations Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Garden, Perot Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, Big Thought, Imagination Celebration, Hilton Anatole, Crow Collection of Asian Art. Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, Klyde Warren Park, City of Dallas, DISD and numerous other DFW Cities and their respective school districts and library systems. LTDM is supported in part by grants through the Texas Commission of the Arts. Specialties Large stage 'bridge' marionette shows of classic children's stories including the Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, and Cinderella. Over 17 shows in inventory. Variety shows performed cabaret-style. Holiday Shows for Festivals and Events. Corporate Events Vaudevillian style shows.