Supplies

One of the great things about doing shadow puppetry at home or in the classroom is that you don’t need fancy tools and supplies. You can make a desktop theater of a cardboard box and parchment or tracing paper, and cut puppets out of the thin cereal boxes. Ordering materials through the Amazon links provided below will allow me  to receive a small kickback if you make a purchase. All supplies listed can also be purchased through your local stores.

Puppets

Theater

• Foam board presentation board 48″ x 36″ (24″ wide when folded, 36″ tall). Alternative: Cardboard box minimal size 18″ x 21″ (preferably bigger)
• 15″ wide tracing paper, architectural vellum, or clear (not patterned!) parchment or cookie paper
• Black painters tape (3/4″ or 1″)
• Velcro sticky back 3/4 inch tape
• Box cutter

Light

• For classroom use, a great and versatile rechargeable light (which also runs on batteries) is the Coast LED magnetic work light, which can be attached to a metal pole behind the children (facing downwards) or put in front of a screen on a table, facing upwards. Strong enough to cast sharp shadows on a wall or ceiling.
• Alternative (shown on page) Rechargeable piano/reading/craft lamp.
• For desktop puppetry: Clip-on light such as bed light, craft light, or book light. Standing on a table in front of the puppeteer: cell phone flashlight, flash light, or desk light.