Its fun to put on a shadow puppet theater show for your friends and it's equally as fun to make the stage, props and puppets. This is a family project that you can do with your kids. The following will show you make everything you need to put on a shadow puppet theater production.
Instructions
Build the Stage
1. Obtain a piece of cardboard approximately 34 inches by 18 inches in size. Make 9-inch folds on the 34-inch side at each end. Fold these at a 45 degree angle. You can also use a cardboard box, take it apart at the seam and fold it for your puppet stage.
2. Cut out a large window in the center panel of your stage with an Exacto knife.
3. Measure out a regular, blank sheet of white paper that is big enough to cover the window you have made. Tape it up against the window from the back side of the stage. Make sure all the edges are fully covered before taping.
Make Your Puppets
4. Draw your own characters on a sheet of paper or print one out from the Internet to cut out. Make them on colored construction paper or color them in yourself. Don't forget to make props such as trees, houses and other things.
5. Cut out your pictures.
6. Make your puppets with movable arms and legs by cutting out arms and legs. Use a paper fastener to join the pieces together.
7. Tape a straw on the back of each puppet to hold it upright. If your character has movable legs and arms, you can tape a straw handle to the back of an arm as well to move it.
Put on Your Show
8. Cover a table with a tablecloth long enough to touch the floor in the front. You can also use a sheet.
9. Place the stage at the back of the table against the edge.
10. Put a lamp behind the stage so the puppets can make shadows.
11. Have the kids go behind the sheet or tablecloth and hold up their puppets using the straws as handles.
12. Wait for curtain time and then enjoy the show.
