Stick Puppet Theatre

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Stick puppets are perfect for some easy, no-strings-attached fun. The curtain is always up for their productions when kids create their own plays.

Steps

  1. 1. Lay an open shoebox or similar size of recycled box on its side for your theater with a Crayola® Glue Stick. Cut construction paper to fit the back and sides of your stage with Crayola Scissors. Use Crayola Markers to decorate scenes. Glue your finished scenes inside your theater. OR paint scenes all around the stage.
  2. 2. Ask a parent or adult to help you cut a slit across the top of the box (the theater roof). OR cut several slits in different places.
  3. 3. Now create actors for the play. Draw and cut out construction paper people or animals. Be sure to make them a little shorter than the height of your stage. Color and decorate your characters with Crayola Washable Markers or Crayola Crayons.
  4. 4. Glue the tops of your decorated actors to the bottom end of craft sticks. Leave enough of the craft stick open to use as a puppet handle. Paint the craft sticks if you like.
  5. 5. Place your puppet characters onto the stage by inserting the handles of the craft sticks inside the box and out through the slits in the roof of your theater. Move your characters with the craft sticks.
  6. 6. Write your play. Rehearse it so all of the actors know their lines.
  7. 7. Write or draw invitations to your puppet show—and don't forget to take a bow at the end!

When & Where

"We made the Stick Puppets after seeing a live puppet show."
- Farrah H., mom of 3 children ages 4 to 9.

"The kids at our family reunion performed shows based on family stories. Everyone had a wonderful time."
- Carrie, grandmother of 5 children ages 5 to 12.

Interesting Info

Puppeteer Jim Henson created Kermit the Frog in 1955 when he was a college freshman. The marionette puppet was the first of many well-known and loved Muppets characters to became stars of television's Sesame Street.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.