DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box

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A puppet show shadow box is a fun activity to do with your kids all year round! All you need to start is a cardboard box, parchment paper, stick figures and a little imagination.

DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

Things You'll Need

  • Parchment paper

  • Copy Paper Box

  • Box Cutter/Scissors

  • A Marker

  • Tape

  • Wood Dowels, Popsicle Sticks or Straws

  • Black Poster board

DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Step 1: Make Puppet Window

Place your box so the bottom faces up. Draw a rectangle leaving a half inch border around the edges. Use a quarter to draw half circles at each corner.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia
DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Cut out shape using a box cutter.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Cover the window with a piece of parchment paper that's a half inch larger than the window and tape it down.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Step 2: Construct Box Top

This step is more about showmanship and design. When crafting the top of your box, think of the shape of a theater marquee sign or something fun and whimsical. Along the seam of the box, measure about 4 inches from the top, make a line and cut until you reach top of the box. Repeat on the opposite side.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia
DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Fold the top flap backwards to create a new seam along the top of box.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

To make the design, use a marker to trace the shape along the top of the flap and cut it out with scissors or a box cutter. You can also draw and cut it out of a separate piece of paper, tape it onto the flap and trace/cut it from there.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia
DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Then fold the two end pieces into the box and attach by taping them to the side. Color or decorate to your liking.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia
DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

Step 3: Draw and Cut Out Puppets

The puppet show is almost ready to begin! The theater is complete and now we just need the puppets. With your story in mind, trace images using a white marker, chalk or colored pencil onto black construction paper and cut them out. Cookie cutters or molds from a play-doh set work well for these characters.

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DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia
DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Attach a wood dowel to the back of each puppet shape with tape. Now we are ready to get this show on the road.

DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia

Tip

Black paper works best to create the shadow effect to show images through the parchment paper. You can also download free shadow box puppet templates online to cut out if you prefer not to make your own.

Step 4: Let the Show Begin

Place your theater box on a low table so the little ones can reach it easily. Light the back of the box with a flashlight and bring your puppets into frame placing them directly behind the parchment paper screen. Turn off the lights in the room and enjoy the show!

DIY Shadow Puppet Theater Box
Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

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