Shadow Puppet Magic Part 2
This post is the sequel to the previous post, Shadow Puppet Magic Part 1, which included a bit about shadow puppet history and ideas for construction of a shadow puppet screen, plus lighting tips. Here, I move on to introduction of the project to students grades one and up, and construction and use of the puppets.
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Explain opaque (light cannot pass through), transparent (all light passes through, like a glass window), and translucent (some light passes through) and demonstrate with shadow screen and light.
If lighting allows, experiment with students’ own shadows on the screen, defining and recognizing a profile (side view). Explain that the puppet they will make should be a PROFILE view of the character.
INTRODUCTION MATERIALS:
cardboard (opaque)
wax paper (translucent, as is shadow screen
clear plastic packaging or page protector (transparent)
also lace, plastic grocery bag, netting, colored cellophane etc.
PUPPET MAKING MATERIALS:
Black construction paper (for non-jointed puppets), poster board, or cardstock (best), Bendable straws OR bamboo skewers (for grades 3 and up), Masking tape
TOOLS: Scissors, Round Hole Punches, Pencils (erasers optional).
OPTIONAL: Decorative Hole Punches , “Silly Scissors” (crafting scissors that cut decorative lines), Colored Clear Plastic (report covers, cellophane wrapping paper, or theatrical lighting gels available at music supply stores for band lighting – ask for sample booklets)
Paper Doilies, Netting, Feathers
SHADOW PUPPET PLEDGE:
This is a highly recommended pledge to have everyone speak aloud together, and hold up their hand in front of their face at the end - to avoid tiny puppets that are impossible to attach to rods, etc.
Repeat together with class: “I promise … I will not make … my puppet… smaller than my hand.”
Demonstrate that only what is cut, not drawn, shows in the final shape. Allow no more than 5 minutes to draw character on black paper to avoid complex drawings that cannot be cut out. Remember pledge.
Bringing the Puppets to Life
Working as individuals, in pairs, or small groups, each puppet is held firmly against the screen from behind.
Puppet movement expresses story action. For an interesting presentation, the more focused action the better – SHOW, DON’T TELL!
Puppets should enter and exit stage area when the story requires.
All movements have PURPOSE – to help show the events of the story.
When a character is speaking, it should move a little, and when speaking stops, the movement should also stop, to make clear to audience who is speaking.
Download Shadow Puppet Tips pages HERE