Kids, and even parents, will have great fun putting on puppet shows for each other. Here are instructions and ideas for how to make the stage with a list of necessary supplies and tools.
A big, sturdy cardboard box is the perfect start to a puppet stage. Actually, two or three boxes are even better. One box can be the stage and the other two can connect to the sides of the stage to give the puppets a place to exit. With one box the puppets must always exit downward but three boxes allow exiting to the left or right as well. If the puppets are marionettes more boxes can be stacked on top of these to allow room for the puppeteer to stand. The boxes can be painted as high rise buildings. Glue the boxes together so there is no chance for an accidental collapse of the stage during the performance.
Paint the boxes in any fashion you want. Windows can be drawn on the side with markers or you can paint trees and bushes on the outside. The two side boxes can be painted like separate buildings while the puppet stage has a curtain, carpeting and other enhancements.
Another way to decorate the side boxes is to glue a poster on the front of each one then glue or paint on panes. Now the boxes will appear as large store front windows.
If the box is huge you don't necessarily need the boxes on the sides. Simply cut three sides out of a square, right in the middle of the box, and fold the flap down to make the stage. The square should be cut several inches from the corners and sides of the box to allow room for exiting. Instead of just painting the box make a store front like "Mike's Ice Cream Shop" or "ABC School". With a large box the puppeteers can hide in the lower part. They can also keep extra props for the puppet show stored below.
Using an ironing board and a large piece of cardboard a puppet stage can be made. Cut a slit in the cardboard so that the long side of the ironing board can slip through the cardboard. Cut the cardboard to where it comes right under the ironing board but still hides the ironing board legs. Cut grooves on the cardboard where the ends of the ironing board will go. This keeps the cardboard attached to the ironing board. Now cut a square above the ironing board for the puppet stage opening. This allows easy hiding for the puppeteers and the props. It can also be set up and taken down in no time.
Instead of cardboard a stage can be made in a similar fashion from a piece of plywood. A hole can be cut out for the stage and wedges made to hold it upright. The wedges should be cut from plywood or two-by-fours and go from the top corner of the stage board to the bottom corner, out a couple of feet and slanted back to the top corner. Any size will do as long as it goes out far enough to hold up the stage board - at least a couple of feet. A two-by-four can be nailed to the bottom of the window opening for a stage floor.
Now that you have your stage done let's talk puppets.
