Canadian puppet company. Founded 1974 in Toronto by Diane Lynn Dupuy (Hamilton, Ontario, 1948), the company is composed primarily of handicapped performers. The Famous People Players has performed throughout Canada, the United States, Bermuda, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Japan and the People’s Republic of China. A Little Like Magic (1986) played on Broadway to packed houses where audiences had the opportunity to view the wonders and magic of “Black Light theatre”, a technique that incorporates the use of lifesize puppets and fluorescent props manipulated under the illumination of ultra violet light.

Most noteworthy about the company is its dedication to the integration of the developmentally challenged into working in theatre. Among the company’s achievements and innovations is their new Dinner Theatre in downtown Toronto. The cast has been trained in both food preparation and its service to diners.

Diane Dupuy tells the story of the company in her book, Dare to Dream (Toronto, Key Porter Books, 1989). She is also the author of Throw Your Heart over the Fence (Toronto, Key Porter Books, 1997). Diane Dupuy was awarded the Order of Canada in 1982.

(See Canada.)