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Marionette Theater

Making a Theater

So you want to put on a show, now, do you? Well, there are a few easy ways to get a theater started. Add a few marionettes or even toys and you'll have an entertaining show!

Using a Couch

Use the back side of a couch as the theater. Pin up home made backgrounds or drape with a sheet and enjoy.

Using a Table or Chair

Flip a rectangular table onto its side and cover it with a sheet. Tuck the sheet under the table or tape it so the sheet does not move. Pin your child's homemade background to the sheet.

Using a Cardboard Box

You will need: Large cardboard box, pencils, imagination, a box cutter or a knife, paints, large paper, creativity, and markers. A stapler or hot glue gun and two binder clips are also recommended.

	1) Acquire a large cardboard box from your friendly neighbor or recent home purchase. One used for a refrigerator or TV is best. (Keep some of the supports from inside the box for reinforcements.)
	2) Have your child draw a design for the theater directly on the box.
	3) Have an adult cut out where the stage (opening) will be and a wide slot on the top for the marionettes.
	5) Paint one simple background to the back of the box. (A solid nice looking color, a scene, etc.)
	4) Paint the theater design onto the box or staple or glue on material.
	6) Using the large paper (or small sheets taped together), draw and paint additional backgrounds. An indoor and an outdoor scene are both recommended. Card stock, construction paper, or sides of a cardboard box are useful to make the background sturdy.
	7) Use two large binder clips for temporarily attaching the background to the back of the box. (If the top slot for the marionettes to pass through does not extend to the back, cut two rectangular or half circle holes in the top back of the theater as places to fasten the backgrounds.)

For the elaborate theater maker, add curtains:
1) For the curtain, purchase a curtain rod (or a short broomstick) and tiered curtains (the small, short curtains for the lower half of a window).
2) Have an adult cut holes on the sides of the theater near the front for the curtain rod. Slide the curtains on and place the rod in the slots.
3) (Optional) Staple a pleated six inch strip of material (sewn on the bottom edge) to the inside of the theater, between the curtain rod and the front of the theater.

If making the curtains, use material 5-8 inches longer than the height of the theater opening. Fold over and sew straight across, making sure it is loose enough to easily slide back and forth on the curtain rod. Sew the other sides as necessary to prevent unraveling.
Another option is to cut slits in the material, and slide the curtain rod through. This will only work if the material being used, such as felt, does not unravel.