Local Artist Darrin Crow
Darrin tells imaginative, engaging stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seats and stick with them long after the tale ends. He introduces students to the power of storytelling at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy with classes in storytelling, puppetry, and improvisation. Catch up with Darrin on his website or YouTube Channel.
Class 1 of 3
There are three classes in this series that will take you through the steps needed to create a shadow puppet performance for your family! The first thing we need is a screen which is the stage for our shadow puppets. So in this first class we will make a screen. Darrin will tell the story we will be working on together for this series: The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Making a Shadow Puppet Screen
Materials
- Empty cereal box - other types can be used, but the directions below are for a cereal box
- Scissors - Parent help may be needed
- Glue stick or other glue
- White Paper to fit the size box you are using
Directions
- Open both ends of the cereal box. Try to keep these flaps intact as they will provide support for your screen to stand up.
- Cut up the center of the back side of the box.
- Open the box up and flatten it out, printed side down. This printed side will be the back side of your screen.
- Draw the opening for your screen on the plain side of the box.
- Poke a hole in the part you will cut out with a pen or pencil.
- Insert your scissors into the hole and cut out the opening for the screen.
- This is a great time to decorate the plain side of your box with markers, colored paper, or whatever your creative mind suggests.
- On the printed side of the box use your glue stick to apply glue around the opening for your screen. Center the white paper over the opening and press into place.
- Stand your box up, using the box top flaps to help it stand.
- Place a lamp or flashlight behind the screen.
Here are some additional resources for making a puppet theatre
Can't wait for the next class?
Storytelling with shadow puppets is pretty exciting, and a fun way to pass the time. If you have finished your screen and can't wait to get started with telling the story, here is a script for a traditional version The Three Billy Goats Gruff. You'll also need some puppets: download a template of characters to cut out and use as your puppets.
Additional shadow puppet classes can be found here:
Share your work and stay connected!
We are curious to see your project! Upload photos in the comment section below. If you have trouble, or want to share a short video, email us at info@eiaaprogram.org. Leave your school name in the comment box and we will share images with your school!
We want to stay connected to our creative students when we get back to the new normal. While you are here, learn more about the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. While we don't have much taking place in real space/time during the pandemic, we will get back to our regular live and in-person classes. When we do, we'd love to have you as a member!
