25th Annual Paper Theatre Festival | Exhibition

UC San Diego Library’s 25th anniversary season of Paper Theatre Festival returns this summer! Join us for a unique browsing opportunity at this year’s festival, which is taking the form of a colorful exhibition of paper theatres.

Located on the 2nd (main) Floor of Geisel Library in The Nest, this display is free and open to the public. Explore at your leisure from July 14 through September 27, 2026, during the building's open hours.

If you need assistance or would like an informal, pop-up performance in front of the exhibition on a prearranged date and time, contact exhibition curator Scott Paulson at spaulson@ucsd.edu.

Additional Information

Annual Paper Theatre Festival: It’s the Smallest Show on Earth!

• Paper theatre, also known as tabletop or toy theatre, dates back to Victorian-era London. Families would re-enact plays they saw in miniature by cutting and pasting souvenir poster kits purchased from local playhouses. These kits included scenery sheets, costumed paper dolls and condensed scripts. This vintage marketing tool and educational toy is making a comeback!
• UC San Diego Library plays a featured role in reviving this artful and educational hobby. On display are 25 seasons’ worth of miniature theatrical wonders, showcasing the enthusiastic work of our students, staff, alumni and community members.
• We are proud to host the oldest continually running paper theatre festival in the United States!

An exhibition opening reception is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, showcasing works from Scott Paulson, Bridgette Garcia-Olvera, Rachel Almodovar, Elizabeth Hines, Carin Wallace, Anastasia Hunter, Christina Continelli, and visiting artist Nancy So Miller. Learn more about the exhibition opening reception.