Shadow puppet or real man?
Unlike other theater performers, puppet artists are often expected to take their stage with them, which gives them great flexibility as to where they can perform, especially if their stage is easily transportable. Some plastic or composite stages fold up almost like tents, but they are expensive and usually cannot be used as a "screen stage" for shadow puppets. A simple wooden stage not only looks better but it leaves many more decisions about size and shape in the hands of the performer.
Instructions
1. Cut the 4-foot-by-8-foot board into two 2-foot-by-4-foot rectangles and one 4-foot-by-4-foot square.
2. Cut two 2-inch-by-4-inch boards in half and the third into quarters. This will leave four 4-foot long boards and four 2-foot long boards.
3. Create a rectangle from the 4-foot boards. Stand the boards on their 2-inch side, and place them so that two boards are parallel, then stand the other two boards at either end, also parallel. This will form a rectangle, instead of a square, due to the added 2-inch width of the boards on the side.
4. Screw the boards together.
5. Screw the 4-foot-by-4-foot plywood square onto the rectangle, so that the entire open space is covered. The "extra" 2 inches on either side will remain exposed.
6. Lay this rectangle so that the plywood is on the floor. For reference, choose one of the longer edges to be the top.
7. Screw two 2-foot 2-inch-by-4-inch boards to one of the 2-foot-by-4-foot rectangular plywood sheets so that they lay along the 2-foot sides of the rectangle.
8. Repeat Step 6 with the other two 2-inch-by-4-inch boards and the remaining plywood sheet.
9. Lay the smaller rectangles on top of the larger rectangles so that they create a hollow box. Adjust their placement so that the 4-foot sides of the larger rectangle are flush with one 2-foot side of the smaller rectangle. It should look like a cabinet, except with a 4-inch gap between the cabinet "doors."
10. Attach the "doors" to the larger rectangles with hinges. Attach the hinges to the 2-inch-by-4-inches (not the plywood), on the outside of the "cabinet."
11. Cut the 1-inch-by-3-inch board into one 4-foot length and two 2-foot lengths.
12. Place the 2-foot sections so that the top is flush with the top, inner corner of the "doors," and the length of the board runs along the gap between the doors.
13. Attach these 2-foot boards to the top, inner corner of the doors with hinges, so that they fold out vertically.
14. Stand the box with the doors open and the 2-foot boards opened like pillars.
15. Screw the 4-foot 1-inch-by-3-inch board across the pillars to form a beam. Use only one screw per side, as this will be temporary.
16. Place straight- and right-angle brackets at each end of the high crossbeam (4-foot 1-inch-by-3-inch), so that the ends of the beam are surrounded on each side. This will be a "nook" for the crossbeam once the screws are removed.
17.Place screws in the brackets so that they are attached only to the pillars, not the beam.
18. Attach white fabric to the pillar to form the "screen." Ensure that this fabric is taut, as it will play a moderate structural role in keeping the pillars vertical, and it will affect the crispness of the shadow display if it is loose.
19. Remove screws from the beam. Ensure that the pillars stand on their own. If not, tighten the fabric.
20. Paint or decorate your stage as you like. Black is traditional for shadow puppets, but decorations can be changed according to the play.
21. Arrange your lighting and begin your performance. You can set it in front or behind the screen, depending on your technique and aesthetic.
22. Remove the beam and fold the hinges down to transport. Tuck the screen fabric inside the cabinet, along with puppets or supplies.
