INTRODUCTION TO TOY THEATER

A tiny stage, flat puppets, and a big world of stories waiting to be made.

Together with Drama of Works, children and families are invited to discover Toy Theater, a small-scale form of puppetry performed on a tabletop using miniature stages, scenery, and flat puppets.

The workshop begins with a short introduction to the history of Toy Theater and how artists continue to reinterpret this traditional form today. Then it is time to make your own! Using simple and recycled materials such as cardboard, cereal boxes, discarded printed materials, sticks, and markers, participants will create a miniature theater stage and their own set of puppets.

Bring along a story you already have in mind, or simply come and see what story begins to appear as you cut, draw, build, and play. There is no need to make something complicated—a small piece of cardboard can become a character, a cereal box can become a stage, and suddenly an entire world can fit on top of a table.

Come build a little theater of your own, make some puppets, and discover just how big a story can become on a very small stage.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Facilitator
Drama of Works — United States

Participants
Children and families

Capacity
Depending on the availability of workshop materials.

Workshop Activities
A short introduction to Toy Theater, followed by making a miniature stage, scenery, and flat puppets. Participants are welcome to bring an idea for a story they would like to develop.

MATERIALS

The workshop will use simple and reused materials whenever possible, including:

• Scrap cardboard, cereal boxes, and other clean packaging
• Discarded printed materials / junk mail
• Scissors or craft knives*
• Sticks or wooden skewers for puppet rods
• Tape
• Hot glue
• Markers for drawing and adding details

Please note: Cutting tools and hot glue should only be used by participants who can handle them safely and independently, or with assistance from an accompanying adult.