How to Make a Finger Puppet Theater

Construct a miniature theater that is ideal for the minuscule size of finger puppets. Encourage your child to entertain friends and family by using a menagerie of handmade finger puppets to perform an unforgettable show. Or, use the theater as an educational tool for your child by acting out scenes that teach behaviors such as potty training or good manners. When the puppet theater show is over, store your puppets in the theater box until the next performance.

Things You'll Need

• Shoe box
• Black spray paint
• Scissors
• Hole punching tool
• Red felt, 1 yard
• Black yarn
• Small card table, coffee table or end table
• Red or black cloth, 3 yards

Instructions

1. Remove the lid from a shoe box. Cut a rectangle from the center of the bottom of the shoe box that extends to 2 inches from each side. Remove the rectangle.

2. Paint the box, inside and out, using black spray paint. Allow it to dry.

3. Place the box so the bottom is facing up and lengthwise. Find the midpoint of the right and left sides of the rectangular hole in the box. Punch a hole at the midpoint 1 inch from the edge of the rectangle on each side.

4. Cut a rectangular sheet of red felt that is 3 inches greater in width and length than the open area of the box. Center the red felt over the rectangle of the box so it extends at the top by 1 1/2 inches. Apply hot glue underneath the top edge of the felt to attach it to the box. Find the middle of the felt square and make a vertical cut from the bottom up to 2 inches from the top.

5. Cut two 8-inch pieces of black yarn. Thread the pieces of yard through each of the holes on the right and left sides of the rectangle in the box. Pull the felt stage curtain open and use the pieces of yarn as tiebacks during the performance.

6. Cover a small table with black or red cloth. Place the finger puppet stage upright so the curtains are facing the audience. Sit behind the table and stage as you perform with your finger puppets.