How to Make a Puppet Stage
All the world's a stage, and all the puppets, merely players. Even simple hand puppets can use the added drama of a stage. Make puppet play more fun, more realistic and more interesting with a cheerful folding stage. Spark the imaginations of everyone involved, the puppeteers, the audience and the scenery makers with a backdrop for every story. Get as creative or simple as you want and have fun while you set the scene.
Things You'll Need
- 2 pieces of thin 2-by-3-foot plywood
- 1 piece of thin 3-by-4-foot plywood
- 4 sets of thin hinges
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Jigsaw
Instructions
-
-
1
Sand all the edges of the plywood until smooth and free of splinters.
-
2
Stand the larger piece of plywood up on the shorter, 3-foot end and mark the stage opening near the top of the piece.
-
-
3
Mark a section of the 3-by-4-foot piece of plywood to cut out for the stage. Draw freehand, make it a simple rectangle shape, a large oval or any shape you'd like. Make it large enough for several puppets, but keep it in the top half of the plywood.
-
4
Cut out the stage shape with the jigsaw and sand all the cut edges smooth.
-
5
Fasten the 2-by-3-foot plywood sections to the larger 3-by-4-foot section with hinges. Stand the stage up by opening the sides for a three-sided structure. For storage, fold the sides into the middle.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Decorate the completed puppet stage by painting it, coloring it with crayons or markers, covering it with wrapping paper or fabric, using stickers. Make a simple curtain by draping a pillow case over the top of the mid-section that has the stage cut out. Name your new puppet theater and schedule performances. This stage can be made from cardboard as an alternative to plywood, with yarn or twine instead of hinges.
