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How to Create a Wall Display Screen for Shadow Puppets

Shadow puppets are nothing without a display screen to perform on; the screen is where they live and play. The shapes of the puppets are made between the screen and the light source behind it. The light carries the shadows of the puppets onto a translucent screen. It's important to have a screen that hides the puppets but casts their shadowy projections. Made properly, the shadow puppet display screen should give your audience a crisp and clear view of the performance.

Things You'll Need

  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • White silk fabric
  • Wooden picture frame
  • Staple gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn an iron on low heat and iron the white silk fabric on top of an ironing board. Spread the silk out onto a flat work surface to keep it smooth until you are ready to use it.

    • 2

      Remove the glass from a plain wooden picture frame.

    • 3

      Turn the frame face down on the flat work space.

    • 4

      Spread the white silk into the middle of the frame.

    • 5

      Staple the silk along one of the edges just inside the frame.

    • 6

      Pull the silk taut and insert staples along the opposite edge of the frame.

    • 7

      Staple the silk along the other two edges of the frame.

    • 8

      Prop up the frame in front of a light source and have someone control a shadow puppet behind the frame to test the display. Ideally, you should see a crisp, clean silhouette of the puppet. The puppeteer should remain hidden.

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