In the Heart of Beast in South Minneapolis: Puppet Theatre – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

There is no other performing arts organization in the United States quite like In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HTB) in South Minneapolis. Founded in 1973, HTB has grown from a grassroots collective of artists into a globally recognized institution that blends puppetry, mask work, community engagement, and social justice into a singular, unforgettable theatrical experience. But despite its artistic prominence, many people—patrons, donors, educators, and collaborators—struggle to find reliable, direct access to official customer support when seeking tickets, volunteering opportunities, educational programs, or technical assistance. This article serves as the definitive guide to In the Heart of the Beast’s official customer support channels, including verified toll-free numbers, contact methods, global access protocols, and a deep dive into why this organization stands as a beacon of innovative, community-centered performance art.

Introduction – About In the Heart of the Beast in South Minneapolis: Puppet Theatre – Official Customer Support, History, and Industries

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre—commonly known as HTB—is a non-profit arts organization located in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood of South Minneapolis, Minnesota. Established in 1973 by artist and activist Sandy Spieler, HTB began as a small, experimental workshop in a basement, where a group of friends used discarded materials to create puppets and masks for street performances. What started as a grassroots act of creative rebellion evolved into a nationally acclaimed institution that produces large-scale, community-driven theatrical events, including the internationally renowned annual May Day Parade and Festival, which draws over 50,000 attendees each year.

HTB operates in the intersection of performing arts, education, activism, and public engagement. Its primary industries include:

• Live Puppet and Mask Theatre Production
• Community Arts Programming
• Arts Education and Workshops
• Public Festivals and Parades
• Non-Profit Cultural Advocacy

HTB’s work is deeply rooted in social justice, environmental awareness, and cultural inclusivity. The organization has collaborated with over 10,000 community members annually since the 1990s, creating performances that reflect the stories of immigrants, Indigenous communities, laborers, and youth. Its productions often tackle themes of climate change, racial equity, immigration rights, and economic justice—making HTB not just a theatre, but a living archive of community memory and resistance.

Today, HTB operates out of a 22,000-square-foot facility that includes a 175-seat theatre, puppet fabrication studios, costume and mask-making workshops, and a community arts classroom. Despite its scale and impact, HTB remains a small staff organization, relying heavily on volunteers and part-time artists. This creates unique challenges for customer support accessibility, which is why having accurate, official contact information is critical for anyone wishing to engage with the organization.

Why In the Heart of the Beast in South Minneapolis: Puppet Theatre – Official Customer Support is Unique

Unlike traditional theatre companies or even most non-profit arts organizations, HTB does not operate a conventional customer service department with call centers, automated menus, or outsourced support teams. Its “customer support” is deeply human, deeply local, and deeply integrated into its artistic mission. This makes HTB’s support system one of the most unique in the cultural sector.

First, HTB’s support is not transactional—it is relational. When you call or email, you are not speaking to a call center agent trained on a script. You are speaking to a theatre technician, a community educator, a puppet builder, or even the Artistic Director themselves. This level of personal engagement is rare in the nonprofit world, especially for organizations of HTB’s size and reach.

Second, HTB prioritizes accessibility over efficiency. While most institutions automate phone systems to reduce costs, HTB deliberately keeps its lines open to real people—even during off-hours. Their philosophy is simple: if you care enough to reach out, you deserve a real answer.

Third, HTB’s support model is multilingual and culturally responsive. Staff members are trained to communicate in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Ojibwe, reflecting the diverse communities HTB serves. The organization also provides ASL interpreters upon request and offers materials in large print and braille.

Fourth, HTB’s customer support extends beyond ticketing and scheduling. It includes:

• Volunteer onboarding and training
• Artistic collaboration inquiries
• Accessibility accommodations for performances
• Donor and grant support
• School and youth group program registration
• Equipment rental and studio access
• Media and press inquiries

This holistic approach means that HTB’s “customer support” is essentially a gateway to its entire ecosystem of artistic and community engagement. There is no “tiered support” system—everyone who reaches out is treated as a vital part of the HTB family.

For this reason, HTB’s customer support is not just unique—it is revolutionary. In an age where customer service is increasingly depersonalized and digitized, HTB remains fiercely analog, human, and community-centered. This is why it is essential to have the correct, official contact information—and why this guide exists.

In the Heart of the Beast in South Minneapolis: Puppet Theatre – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

To ensure you are connecting with the official, verified support team of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, please use only the following contact numbers. These are the only numbers officially listed on HTB’s website (www.heartofthebeast.org), in printed program materials, and confirmed by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s nonprofit registry.

Official Toll-Free Customer Support Number

1-877-478-2377

This toll-free line is active Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. Calls are answered by HTB’s Community Engagement Coordinator or trained volunteer support staff. This number is specifically designated for:

• Ticket inquiries and box office assistance
• Volunteer application and orientation
• Workshop and class registration
• Accessibility requests (ASL, captioning, sensory-friendly seating)
• Donor and sponsorship inquiries

Voicemail is monitored daily, and all messages are returned within 24–48 hours. During peak seasons (March–June and October–December), response times may extend slightly due to high volume.

Official Local Helpline (Minneapolis)

612-721-2550

This is the main office line for HTB’s physical location at 1500 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. This number is ideal for:

• Visiting the theatre or studio
• Guided tours and group visits
• Equipment rental and studio access
• Artist collaboration proposals
• Media and press interviews

During business hours (10 AM–6 PM), this line is answered by staff. Outside of business hours, calls are forwarded to an on-call coordinator for urgent matters such as performance cancellations or safety concerns.

Emergency and Performance Day Support

612-231-9998 (24/7 Emergency Line)

This number is reserved for urgent situations on performance days, especially during the May Day Parade and other large-scale events. Use this line only if:

• You are a performer or volunteer who cannot reach your crew lead
• There is a safety or medical emergency at the venue
• The theatre is experiencing a critical technical failure
• You are a first responder or city official coordinating with HTB

Do not use this number for general inquiries, ticket purchases, or scheduling. Misuse may delay critical response times.

International Support Line (for Global Partners)

+1-612-721-2550 (Same as local number)

HTB does not maintain a separate international number. However, international callers can reach HTB using the local number with the +1 country code. For time zone assistance, note that HTB operates in Central Time (CT). During Daylight Saving Time (March–November), CT is UTC-5; during Standard Time (November–March), CT is UTC-6.

For international donors, partners, or collaborators, HTB recommends emailing support@heartofthebeast.org for detailed inquiries, as email allows for better translation and documentation.

How to Reach In the Heart of the Beast in South Minneapolis: Puppet Theatre – Official Customer Support Support

While phone numbers are critical, HTB encourages multiple methods of contact to ensure accessibility for all. Below is a comprehensive guide to reaching HTB’s official support team through every available channel.

1. Phone Support

As detailed above, use the toll-free number (1-877-478-2377) for general inquiries and the local number (612-721-2550) for venue-related questions. Always have the following ready when calling:

• Your full name
• Reason for contact (ticket, volunteer, donation, etc.)
• Any relevant event or program name
• Preferred method of follow-up (call, email, mail)

HTB does not use automated systems, so you will speak to a real person. If you reach voicemail, leave a detailed message. Someone will call you back within two business days.

2. Email Support

support@heartofthebeast.org

This is the primary email inbox for all non-urgent inquiries. Emails are typically responded to within 2–5 business days. For faster service, use clear subject lines such as:

• “Ticket Inquiry – May Day 2025 – John Doe”
• “Volunteer Application – High School Student – Minneapolis”
• “Accessibility Request – Wheelchair Access – July 12 Performance”

HTB’s email team includes multilingual staff and can assist in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Attachments (such as program flyers, permission slips, or donation forms) are welcome.

3. In-Person Visits

HTB’s physical address is:

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre

1500 Park Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Visiting hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, but for guided tours or studio access, please call ahead. The building is ADA-compliant and has free parking and bike racks. A small gift shop and exhibition space are open during visits.

4. Online Contact Form

Visit www.heartofthebeast.org/contact to submit a form. This is the most structured way to reach HTB’s support team. The form includes dropdown menus for inquiry type, ensuring your message is routed to the correct staff member. Responses are sent via email and are tracked in HTB’s internal system for follow-up.

5. Social Media

HTB maintains active profiles on:

• Facebook: @HeartOfTheBeastTheatre
• Instagram: @heartofthebeast
• Twitter/X: @HTBTheatre
• YouTube: In the Heart of the Beast

While social media is not a primary support channel, direct messages (DMs) are monitored daily. For urgent matters, DMs are forwarded to the support team. Public posts are not recommended for sensitive or personal information.

6. Mail

For formal correspondence, donations, or grant proposals:

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre

Attn: Office Manager

1500 Park Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Mail is processed weekly. Allow 7–10 business days for response.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While HTB is based in Minneapolis, its influence and partnerships extend globally. Below is a directory of international partners and affiliated organizations that can assist with inquiries related to HTB’s work outside the United States.

Canada

Canadian Puppetry Network

Phone: 1-888-778-9222

Email: info@canadianpuppetry.ca

Website: www.canadianpuppetry.ca

For Canadian residents seeking HTB-style performances or collaborations.

United Kingdom

Little Angel Theatre (London)

Phone: +44 (0)20 7249 4811

Email: boxoffice@littleangeltheatre.com

Website: www.littleangeltheatre.com

HTB has co-produced work with Little Angel since 2010. This is the best point of contact for UK-based inquiries about HTB tours or educational resources.

Australia

Marionette Theatre of Australia

Phone: +61 2 9487 7222

Email: info@marionette.org.au

Website: www.marionette.org.au

Works with HTB on cross-cultural mask-making workshops.

Germany

Puppentheater Stuttgart

Phone: +49 711 224 1234

Email: info@puppentheater-stuttgart.de

Website: www.puppentheater-stuttgart.de

Hosts HTB artists during European residency programs.

Japan

Shinjuku Puppet Theatre

Phone: +81 3 3344 1001

Email: contact@shinjuku-puppet.jp

Website: www.shinjuku-puppet.jp

Collaborates with HTB on annual Asian-Pacific puppet exchange.

South Africa

Maskandi Theatre Collective (Johannesburg)

Phone: +27 11 445 7700

Email: info@maskandi.org.za

Website: www.maskandi.org.za

Partner in social justice theatre initiatives with HTB.

HTB does not operate international offices. All official support must be requested through its Minneapolis headquarters. These international partners can provide context, translations, or cultural mediation but cannot process tickets, donations, or volunteer applications on HTB’s behalf.

About In the Heart of the Beast in South Minneapolis: Puppet Theatre – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements

In the Heart of the Beast is not merely a theatre—it is a cultural engine that has redefined the role of art in community life. Below is a detailed overview of its key industries and landmark achievements.

1. Live Puppet and Mask Theatre Production

HTB produces 8–12 original productions annually, all created in-house using recycled, natural, and ethically sourced materials. Productions range from 20-minute solo pieces to 3-hour ensemble epics. Notable works include:

• “The Tree of Life” – A 20-year-running environmental parable performed annually during Earth Week
• “We Are the River” – A multilingual opera about water rights, created with Indigenous elders
• “Bread and Roses” – A labor history puppet show commissioned by the AFL-CIO

HTB’s puppets are often 12–20 feet tall and operated by teams of 3–10 performers. The theatre is known for its “living sculpture” aesthetic—where masks and puppets are not props, but characters with emotional depth.

2. Community Arts Programming

HTB’s “Artists in Residence” program invites community members—regardless of artistic experience—to co-create performances. Over 5,000 residents have participated since 2005. Programs include:

• “Story Circles” – Weekly storytelling workshops for youth and seniors
• “Mask Makers Collective” – Free mask-making classes for refugees and immigrants
• “Puppet Palooza” – Monthly family-friendly performances in public parks

3. Arts Education and Workshops

HTB partners with 40+ public schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Its curriculum aligns with Minnesota State Arts Standards and includes:

• Grade K–12 puppetry integration in social studies and language arts
• Summer intensives for teens interested in theatre design
• Teacher training in trauma-informed arts education

Since 2018, HTB has trained over 800 educators in its “Art as Activism” methodology.

4. Public Festivals and Parades

The annual May Day Parade and Festival is HTB’s most visible public project. Started in 1975, it is now the largest May Day celebration in North America. It features:

• 10,000+ participants
• 200+ giant puppets
• 50+ community groups
• Free food, music, and art stations

HTB also produces the Winter Pageant and Black Lives Matter March in partnership with local activists.

5. Non-Profit Cultural Advocacy

HTB is a founding member of the Minnesota Arts and Culture Coalition and has successfully lobbied for:

• Increased public funding for community arts
• Arts education mandates in Minnesota public schools
• Exemption of non-profit theatres from city noise ordinances during public events

HTB has received over $15 million in grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Ford Foundation, and McKnight Foundation.

Major Awards and Recognition

• 2023 – National Medal for Museum and Library Service (awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services)
• 2021 – Bush Foundation Fellowship for Creative Placemaking
• 2019 – MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” awarded to Artistic Director Maria Baum
• 2017 – Smithsonian Institution Archives Acquisition of HTB’s Puppet Collection
• 2015 – Governor’s Arts Award (Minnesota)

Global Service Access

HTB’s mission is inherently global. Though based in Minneapolis, its work resonates across borders. Here’s how international audiences and partners can access HTB’s services and resources:

1. Digital Archive and Streaming

HTB’s entire performance archive since 1980 is available online at archive.heartofthebeast.org. Over 200 full-length performances are free to stream with closed captions in 8 languages.

2. Educational Resource Kits

HTB offers downloadable curriculum kits for teachers worldwide. Topics include:

• “Creating Puppets from Recycled Materials”
• “Mask Work and Identity”
• “Theatre as Resistance: A Global History”

Available in PDF and print-on-demand formats. Free for educators; $15 for individuals.

3. International Residencies

HTB hosts 3–5 international artists annually through its “Global Story Exchange” program. Artists from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands live and create in Minneapolis for 6–8 weeks. Applications open each October.

4. Translation and Localization

HTB provides translation services for its scripts and educational materials. Requests can be made via email. Translation into Arabic, French, Mandarin, and Portuguese is available upon request.

5. Virtual Participation

HTB hosts monthly virtual “Story Circles” open to global participants via Zoom. No registration required. Visit www.heartofthebeast.org/virtual for schedules.

6. Donation and Sponsorship from Abroad

HTB accepts international donations via PayPal, bank wire, and credit card. All donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. For donors outside the U.S., HTB provides a formal receipt for local tax purposes upon request.

FAQs

Q1: Is In the Heart of the Beast’s customer support available 24/7?

A: No. The main support line (1-877-478-2377) is open Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM CT. The emergency line (612-231-9998) is available 24/7 only for urgent performance-day issues. All other inquiries are responded to within 48 hours.

Q2: Can I get a refund if I can’t attend a show?

A: Yes. Refunds are available up to 48 hours before the performance. No refunds are issued within 48 hours, but exchanges may be granted based on availability. Contact support@heartofthebeast.org or call the toll-free number.

Q3: Do you offer group discounts?

A: Yes. Groups of 10 or more receive 20% off tickets. Educational groups (schools, youth organizations) receive 50% off. Contact the Group Sales Coordinator at 612-721-2550.

Q4: Are your performances accessible for people with disabilities?

A: Absolutely. All venues are wheelchair accessible. ASL interpretation, audio description, and sensory-friendly performances are offered for all mainstage shows. Request accommodations when booking.

Q5: Can I volunteer even if I have no theatre experience?

A: Yes! HTB welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds. No experience is required. Training is provided. Visit www.heartofthebeast.org/volunteer to apply.

Q6: Do you sell merchandise?

A: Yes. HTB sells puppets, masks, books, and apparel online and at the theatre. Proceeds support community programs. Visit www.heartofthebeast.org/shop.

Q7: How do I submit a script or performance idea?

A: HTB accepts unsolicited proposals from artists and community members. Submit via email to proposals@heartofthebeast.org with “Creative Proposal” in the subject line. Include a 1-page summary and your contact info.

Q8: Is In the Heart of the Beast a religious organization?

A: No. HTB is a secular, non-religious arts organization. While its work often explores spiritual themes, it does not affiliate with any faith tradition.

Q9: Can I rent your space for a private event?

A: Yes. The theatre and studio are available for rentals. Contact rentals@heartofthebeast.org for pricing and availability.

Q10: How can I support HTB financially?

A: You can donate online, become a monthly sustainer, sponsor a puppet, or include HTB in your will. Visit www.heartofthebeast.org/donate for options.

Conclusion

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre is more than a venue—it is a living, breathing community of artists, activists, educators, and dreamers. Its customer support is not a department; it is a doorway into a world where art is not separate from life, but woven into its very fabric. Whether you’re a parent seeking a Saturday afternoon show for your child, a teacher wanting to bring puppetry into your classroom, a donor hoping to sustain social justice art, or an international artist seeking collaboration—HTB is waiting to hear from you.

Do not rely on third-party directories, unverified listings, or automated chatbots. Use only the official numbers and channels provided in this guide: 1-877-478-2377 (toll-free), 612-721-2550 (local), and support@heartofthebeast.org. These are the lifelines to an organization that believes in the power of human connection over efficiency, of art over automation, of community over commerce.

When you reach out to In the Heart of the Beast, you are not just calling a theatre—you are joining a movement. And that movement needs you.