Share Your Favorite Show on DIY!

I can't find a big cardboard box—what can I use instead to make the stage opening?

If you don't have a large box for the step 'Cut a large rectangle out of the front of the box to make the stage opening,' you can fold and tape a large poster board or two cereal boxes together or use a shallow shoebox turned on its side as the stage.

My popsicle-stick puppets keep falling off or flopping—how can I fix that?

To strengthen your puppets after the instruction 'Glue or tape a popsicle stick to the back of each puppet to make a handle,' attach the stick to a larger strip of thin cardboard backing, use stronger glue (hot glue or tacky glue), and secure with clear tape or a small staple so the handle won't pull loose.

How can I adapt this activity for preschoolers, elementary kids, and older kids?

For preschoolers, pre-cut the box opening, fabric curtains and puppet shapes and let them color and stick stickers (steps: Cut a large rectangle..., Tape a fabric scrap..., Draw each puppet..., Color and decorate...); for elementary kids let them cut, decorate and rehearse with minimal help; and for older kids challenge them to design movable jointed puppets, complex backgrounds and longer recorded scenes.

What are simple ways to enhance or personalize the puppet show before recording it?

To enhance the scene beyond 'Tape a sheet of craft paper to the back inside of the box to create a background' and 'Cut small props from paper or cardboard,' add handheld LED tea lights for stage lighting, create layered backgrounds for depth, add sound effects or recorded music on a phone, and attach brass fasteners to make moving-limb puppets.