Modern Times Theater

Modern Times Theater delights crowds with a fresh take on the entertainment styles of the past, including novelty music, handmade puppetry, and classic comedy.

Modern Times Theater has created and toured original puppet shows, Vaudeville acts, and novelty music since 2007. Husband and wife performers Justin Lander and Rose Friedman strive to present quality entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. “The Perils of Mr. Punch”, an updated Punch and Judy show, is fast paced and witty. The duo also produce and perform as part of Vermont Vaudeville, creating a bi-annual original variety show in the Hardwick Town House. Modern Times Theater has performed at the HOP Center at Dartmouth College; the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry; Governor’s Institute on the Arts, Vermont; the Colonial Theater in Bethlehem, NH; Puppet Showplace Theater; Artistree’s Grange Theater; Shelburne Farm; the Caledonia County Fair; Paul Smith College; Sandglass Theater’s Winter Sunshine Series; The New World Festival; Spruce Peak Independence Day Celebration; Great Small Works’ International Toy Theater Festival; Montpelier Alive; the Festival of Fools; Big Tiny Love; the Common Ground Fair, ME; Sinterklaas Festival, Rhinebeck, NY; Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, NY; and the Museum of Everyday Life, Glover, VT.

Modern Times Theater has is the recipient of grants from the Vermont Community Foundation, the Vermont Arts Council, and New England Foundation of the Arts. The theater is eligible for NEST (New England State Touring) grants, and is a member of Puppeteers of America and UNIMA-USA.