I have done Shadow Puppetry before and on a large scale. Best to use rear projection screen or fabric that is mounted on a frame to be very taught.
Secondly, use a heavy cardstock or poster board, or light foam core board. You need to have lots of cut out areas to provide texture and quality.
If you want to do color panels in the puppets, lighting gels work wonders for this. Cut the area out of the puppet you want color in and then apply the gel with glue or tape.
It is best if front lighting is minimal and rear lighting is strong. The puppets should be close to the screen.
The students might have to lay down to not be seen, depending on your screen set up. Use dowels to hold the puppets
Use brads for the joints of the puppets, so they can move body parts.
I have also done front lighting and projected the puppets on the cyc in the mainstage.
Puppets who have dialogue also have the movement. Other puppets need to refrain from strong movement when it is not their line.
Experimentation will get you far.
Break a leg and may all your theatre seats be filled.
Kelly Thomas
Original Message:
Sent: 1/27/2023 11:37:00 AM
From: Josh Kauffman
Subject: Shadow Puppetry
Happy Friday!
I'm looking at creating a shadow-puppet stage as an element of our set design, to creatively handle some storytelling elements.
Does anyone have experience constructing, rehearsing with, or using shadow puppetry on your stages? How best to light, best materials to use? I'm doing plenty of online research, but nothing like experienced voices to lend some perspective.
"What's the play?"
It's The Witch's Princess by Don Zolidis, which I heartily recommend everyone read! It's here and you can read it for free.
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Josh Kauffman
Teacher, Thespian Society/Drama Club sponsor
Winfield City Schools
Winfield, AL
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