This year, the Kostanay Regional Puppet Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary — an important milestone that reflects decades of inspiration, creativity, and dedication to the arts.
The theatre’s history began with Resolution No. 70 “On the opening of a puppet theatre in Kustanay,” adopted on February 19, 1986, by the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR. On December 31 of the same year, the premiere of the very first performance took place in Kostanay — a production of M. Sadovsky’s play “Mashenka.” Since then, the stage of our theatre has brought to life dozens of vivid productions based on the works of both Kazakh and international authors.
Over the years, the theatre has nurtured and united many talented actors, directors, designers, and puppet masters who have generously shared their artistry and love for theatre with audiences. Talent, devotion, and the constant pursuit of creativity have earned the theatre well-deserved recognition — both among professionals and loyal spectators.
The theatre actively collaborates with colleagues from Kazakhstan and abroad, for it is through artistic exchange that art becomes richer, more diverse, and opens new horizons.
In honor of this anniversary, the theatre will host, for the very first time, the International Puppet Theatre Festival “Kostanay Puppet Life,” which will bring together professional companies from across Kazakhstan and around the world.
May this festival become a true celebration of friendship, art, and inspiration, bringing joy and new discoveries to all participants, and offering every spectator a touch of magic and faith in wonder.
Welcome to the enchanting world of art!
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
REGULATIONS
International Puppet Theatre Festival "Kostanay Puppet Life"
Chapter 1. General Provisions
These Regulations govern the procedure for organizing, holding, and participating in the International Puppet Theatre Festival "Kostanay Puppet Life" (hereinafter referred to as the Festival).
The founder of the Festival is the Akimat of Kostanay Region and the State Institution "Department of Culture of the Akimat of Kostanay Region".
The organizer of the Festival is the Regional Puppet Theatre of the Department of Culture of the Akimat of Kostanay Region (hereinafter referred to as the Organizer).
Festival dates: September 17 to 20, 2025.
Festival location: Kostanay city (Republic of Kazakhstan).
Chapter 2. Goals and Objectives of the Festival
2.1. Strengthening cooperation between creative teams of puppet theatres.
2.2. Development of interregional and international cultural ties and promotion of professional puppet art.
2.3. Enhancing the professional level and performance skills of puppet theatre specialists.
2.4. Introduction to contemporary creativity and the diversity of forms and styles in puppet theatre art from Kazakhstan and abroad.
Chapter 3. Festival Organizing Committee
3.1. The organization and management of the Festival are carried out by the Organizing Committee (hereinafter – the Organizing Committee).
3.2. The composition of the Organizing Committee is approved by the order of the Festival Organizer.
3.3. The Organizing Committee, based on the review of submitted applications and accompanying materials, selects the best performances and determines the list of Festival participants.
Chapter 4. Conditions for Participation in the Festival
4.1. Professional puppet theater troupes from Kazakhstan and foreign countries with performances (for children or adults) premiered within the last two to three years may participate in the Festival.
4.2. Each theater may participate in the Festival with one performance that has passed the Organizing Committee's selection.
4.3. Theaters participating in the Festival will not receive a fee for their performance.
4.4. The Organizing Committee conducts selection based on the study of submitted applications, video recordings, and photographic materials of the performance and informs the theater in writing about the invitation no later than June 1, 2025.
4.5. The delegation of a participating theater should not exceed 10 (ten) people, including actors, official delegation members, and technical staff. In case of exceeding this number, the sending party bears the expenses for additional participants.
4.6. Organizers cover accommodation, meals, and local transportation in Kostanay for up to 10 (ten) people from participating theaters during the Festival. All expenses to and from Kostanay (arrival, departure, transportation of decorations) are borne by the participating theater.
Chapter 5. Rules for Participation in the Festival
5.1. To participate in the Festival, theaters must submit the following materials to the Organizer by April 15, 2025, via email at teatrkukolkst@mail.kz:
State Municipal Puppet Theater of Kostanay Region Department of Culture
📍 Address:
20, Perronnaya St., Kostanay city
📞 Contact numbers:
📧 E-mail: teatrkukolkst@mail.kz
🌐 Website:
https://www.teatrkukol-kst.kz
📱 Social media:
YouTube: YouTube Channel