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Host a puppet talent show

Host a puppet talent show
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Create simple puppets, design a mini stage, organize performers and acts, practice short routines, and host a fun puppet talent show for friends.

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Step-by-step guide to host a puppet talent show

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The Puppet Stage

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard box or large sheet for stage, colouring materials markers crayons colored pencils, craft decorations paper fabric buttons googly eyes, glue or tape, pillows or cushions for audience, safety scissors, small props or costume scraps, socks or paper bags or paper plates, yarn or string

Step 1

Choose your puppet base by picking a sock paper bag or paper plate.

Step 2

Decorate each puppet by drawing a face with your colouring materials.

Step 3

Attach eyes or hair by gluing craft decorations or yarn onto each puppet.

Step 4

Make at least three different puppets so you have performers.

Step 5

Create a mini stage by turning a cardboard box into a stage or spreading a large sheet for a performance area.

Step 6

Decorate the stage using craft decorations to make it colorful and fun.

Step 7

Write one short sentence idea for each puppet's act to plan the show.

Step 8

Practice each puppet's act two times so the moves feel smooth.

Step 9

Arrange pillows or cushions for the audience to sit on.

Step 10

Place small props on the stage where puppets can reach them during their acts.

Step 11

Invite friends and start the show by having your host puppet introduce the first act.

Step 12

Share your finished puppet show creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a sock, paper bag, or paper plate for a puppet base if those are hard to find?

If you don't have a sock, paper bag, or paper plate, use an old glove, a toilet-paper roll, or cut a circle from cereal-box cardboard as a puppet base.

My glued eyes and yarn keep falling off—how can I fix that so the puppets stay together during practice?

If glue won't hold your eyes or yarn, try double-sided tape, a glue stick, or ask an adult to use hot glue to secure the craft decorations and yarn and let pieces dry before practicing acts.

How should I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, cut out faces and pre-glue eyes and limit the show to two puppets with a simple stage and pillows, while older children can make more than three puppets, write longer sentences for each act, and add detailed props on a cardboard-box stage.

What are easy ways to extend or personalize the puppet talent show after the basic steps are done?

To enhance the show, add background music and simple stage lighting with a flashlight, create tiny costumes from fabric scraps for each puppet, and film the performance to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to host a puppet talent show

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Kids Activity: Introduction to Shadow Puppetry

4 Videos

Facts about puppetry for kids

♻️ Puppets are often made from recycled household materials like paper bags, cardboard, and fabric scraps.

🧦 A sock puppet is one of the easiest puppets to make — just a sock, buttons, and a bit of imagination!

👏 Hosting a puppet talent show helps kids build confidence, teamwork, and storytelling skills.

🎙️ Puppeteers use voices, music, and sound effects to bring characters to life in short, silly acts.

🎭 Puppetry is one of the world's oldest storytelling arts — evidence of puppet-like figures goes back over 3,000 years.

How do I host a puppet talent show with my child?

To host a puppet talent show, pick a simple theme and make quick puppets (sock, paper bag, or stick puppets). Build a mini stage from a cardboard box or table draped with fabric, mark a performance spot, and assign roles. Help kids plan short 30–90 second acts, rehearse once or twice, set up seating and simple lighting, and introduce each performer. Encourage applause, record the show, and finish with positive feedback or small certificates. Keep timing and adult supervision.

What materials do I need to make simple puppets and a mini stage?

You'll need basic materials: socks, paper bags, felt, googly eyes, yarn, markers, glue, and craft sticks for puppets. For a mini stage, use a large cardboard box or table, fabric or shower curtain for curtains, tape, scissors, paint, and a ruler. Extras: small props, a music player, flashlight for simple lighting, chairs for the audience, and a camera. Choose child-safe scissors and non-toxic glue, and keep tiny parts away from toddlers.

What ages is a puppet talent show suitable for?

This activity suits ages about 3–12 with adjustments. Toddlers (3–4) enjoy puppet play with heavy adult help and very simple puppets. Preschoolers (4–6) can make basic sock or paper-bag puppets and perform short, guided routines. School-age kids (7–9) can design characters, write brief scripts, and coordinate small teams. Older children (10–12) can manage longer acts, stage design, and direction. Always supervise younger kids and adapt complexity to attention span.

What are the benefits of hosting a puppet talent show for kids?

Hosting a puppet talent show builds creativity, storytelling, and language skills as children invent characters and dialogue. It strengthens fine motor skills through puppet making, boosts confidence and public-speaking as kids perform, and encourages teamwork, listening, and planning. Low-cost and adaptable, shows teach sequencing and memory too. For shy children, start with small roles or offstage helpers. Always praise effort to reinforce social-emotional growth and make the experience positi
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