Hand in Hand was formed by Open Hand Theater in 1991. Participants learn theater skills through improvisation using the ancient folk art traditions of mime, music and dance, masks and Open Hand's unique style of puppetry. The company creates original performances based on the folk tales of other cultures, and on contemporary stories.

Hand in Hand Youth Theater has staged many of its own productions including The Phantom Tollbooth, A Hitchhiker's Guide to Middle School and the 1997 production o f the Greek classic Prometheus Bound. Members are also encouraged to participate in many of Open Hand Theater's other programs.

Hand in Hand Theater has appeared in several Open Hand performances, including Andersen's The Snow Queen, and Halloween at the Landmark with nationally acclaimed children's author Bruce Coville. Many members of the performance troupe have also toured with Open Hand's professional Cast to The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Chatauqua County, NY, the Niagara Falls Arts Council Kidfest, and the R ome Community Arts Festival.