“Really opens up oral communication and creativity.” Teacher, Givins/Shaw J.S. A two day (or 4 x ½ days) program includes in-depth planning and storyboarding, leading to the design and building of shadow puppets and props, and culminates in rehearsal and performance.A one day workshop provides more in-depth exploration and experimentation.The interplay of positive and negative space is investigated with Bristol board and matte knives (or construction paper and scissors, if teachers prefer!), and the secrets of rigging for specialized shadow puppet movements are revealed.Ī half-day session is an introduction to shadow puppets and the start-up of a puppetry project. A two day (or 4 x ½ days) program includes in-depth planning and storyboarding, leading to designing and building of shadow puppets and props, and culminates in rehearsal and performance.In a whole day workshop, short plays can be planned and performed with the puppets made.A half day workshop gets a shadow puppetry project started up.In a whole day, “plays” are planned and performed as well.Ĭonstruction paper, paper fasteners and BBQ sticks come together in an exploration of light and shadow and simple machines.In a half day session, shadow puppets can be made.The pre-prepared materials supplied by the artist cost approximately $25 per class. “An excellent experience and opportunity for the students. Most successful.” Teacher, Blake PS, TorontoĪ Mactac and tissue paper technique is used, with coloured markers, to create richly colourful puppets. Shadow puppetry is the oldest form of puppetry, traceable back to long-ago India and China, where the traditions continue. Shadow Puppet of an Artist Holding a Palette, ca.Working together in small groups students plan their stories to be performed and create simple but wonderfully effective 2 dimensional figures, scenery and props, using readily available materials, to be manipulated behind a lit fabric or paper screen in visually magical presentations. Write a script, or directions for the characters to follow, and follow your script to put on a puppet show!Īrt of the Stage: Picasso to Hockney is organized by McNay Art Museum (San Antonio, TX). Extra fun: Create a cast, or group of characters, and make puppets for each one. Then, shine a flashlight or other light source on your puppet to create a shadow.ĥ. When your puppet is attached to its base and any glue is dried, hold your puppet about a foot away from a wall or other flat surface. Always ask for help or permission before using hot glue.Ĥ. This will be the base you use to hold your puppet. Use glue dots, hot glue, or tape to connect your character to the end of a stick, straw, skewer, pencil, or other long, thin object. Carefully cut out your character using scissors.ģ. Use a pencil to draw your character on a black piece of paper.Ģ. Sticks, straws, skewers, pencils, or other long, thin objectsġ.Use #MFAfromHome to share your creations with us online! Once you’ve chosen your characters, follow the steps below to create your puppet. Try making your own shadow puppets home! Choose a favorite animal or storybook character to bring to life, or imagine a new character. Metal puppets were durable and allowed puppeteers to use them for a long time. This puppet is made out of zinc, a type of metal.

This puppet was created over 120 years ago for the Theatre d’ombres (Shadow Theatre) at Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat), which was a famous musical cabaret nightclub in Paris. Included in the exhibition is the Shadow Puppet of an Artist Holding a Palette from the late 1800s. This workshop is a thematic introduction to shadow puppetry as a bridge between performance, poetry, and visual art.

Our special exhibition Art of the Stage: Picasso to Hockney looks at how artists work with writers and performers to bring stories to life through theater, ballets, operas, and cinema. Have you ever used your hands to make shadow animals? Shadow puppets likely originated in Asia up to three thousand years ago! By the 1600s, shadow puppets also became popular in Europe.