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Making a Marionette Theater
	So you want to put on a show? Below you will find a few easy, low cost ways to make a theater. Add a few marionettes or even toys and you'll have an entertaining show!
	Using a Couch, Chairs, or Table Use a couch, chairs, or table (flipped on its size) as a theater. Drape your theater with a sheet and then pin up home made backgrounds. Let the show begin! (Follow image link for detailed directions.)
	Doorway Theater Use curtain rods and curtains or bright cloth to make a doorway theater. (Follow image link for detailed directions.)
	Cardboard Box Theater 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 will provide the most entertainment. (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 cardboard, large paper, or small sheets fastened together, draw and paint additional backgrounds. Having at least one indoor and one outdoor scene is recommended. Use card stock, construction paper, or the sides of a cardboard box to make paper backgrounds 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 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. Use ribbons to tie the curtains open.
3) For a fancy finish, staple or glue a pleated six inch strip of material (sewn on the bottom edge) to the inside top of the theater, between the curtain rod and the front of the theater.

If making the curtains, use material about 6 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 curtain material, and slide the curtain rod through. This will only work if the material being used, such as felt, does not unravel.

Making a Marionette Theater

Using a Couch, Chairs, or Table

Doorway Theater

Cardboard Box Theater

For the elaborate theater maker, add curtains: