Shadow theater for children usually means not only a theater with puppets, but also images of animal shadows using hands. Parents can amaze their child with animated pictures on the simplest wall.
History of shadow theater
Shadow theater is an art that originated many centuries ago. The richest and most famous were fond of it, because the puppets were made by hand from thin, well-dressed camel skin. Openwork dolls, animals and birds, painted by masters in all the colors of the rainbow, were expensive.
And only in the 17th century the French realized that the mystery of shadow theater, depicting unprecedented figures with their own hands, especially captivated children, so this art spread in just a couple of years in the form of a real role playing game.
DIY animal shadows
Organizing a shadow theater at home couldn't be easier! There is nothing complicated about animal shadows; most often, just two hands are enough to see a bunny, dog or bird.
So, how to make eyeshadow with your own hands?
- You will need a light wall or any large object, hung with a white sheet;
- Sunlight or light from a bright lamp should shine directly on the wall, not from the side;
- Approach the wall so that your own shadow does not fall directly on the wall;
- Fold your hands as shown in any of the pictures.
You can also bring animal shadows to life with your own hands! Move your fingers and your bunny will fold his ears and the bird will fly. Teach your child to draw shadows of animals; this will develop the baby’s motor skills and spatial thinking.
We offer two master classes on making a shadow theater for children at home. You will learn how to make a screen and actors for a theatrical performance with your own hands from light and shadow, get acquainted with the theater of manual shadows, download templates for figurines of fairy tale heroes and find useful tips on working with shadow theater.
Shadow theater helps children get acquainted with theatrical activities, develop speech, show imagination, encourage children to actively interact, communicate, etc. Theater productions can be carried out with children of all ages, both in a group and individually.
Lego Shadow Theater
Introducing step-by-step master class with photos how to do it shadow theater from the Lego Duplo constructor or its analogues.
Required materials:
- Lego Duplo constructor ()
- Lego Duplo green building plate ()
- A4 sheet of paper
- phone with a flashlight function or other light source.
How to do
Build a frame theater stage made of red blocks and adjacent turrets made of multi-colored bricks.
Source: lego.com
Place a white sheet of paper between the structures.
Build a stage behind the screen and use the blocks to make a phone stand. Place the light source in front of the paper sheet.
Decorate the theater and prepare the actors for the performance.
Turn on the flashlight on your phone and start the show.
Shadow theater "The Gruffalo" out of the box
Create your own shadow theater based on the popular book “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson (,).
“The Gruffalo” is a fairy tale in verse for adults to read to children. Little mouse goes through dense forest and, in order to escape from the fox, owl and snake, he invents the terrible Gruffalo - an animal who loves to eat foxes, owls and snakes.
But can a resourceful mouse outwit all the hungry predators? After all, he knows very well that there are no Gruffalos... Or do they?
Source: domesticblissnz.blogspot.ru
Required materials:
- printable hero templates (download);
- A4 paper;
- black cardboard;
- wooden skewers;
- scotch;
- glue;
- carton;
- scissors.
How to do
1. Download and print templates with characters for the shadow theater. Glue onto black cardstock. 
2. Cut out the figures and glue a wooden skewer to each.
3. We make a screen (screen) for a shadow theater.
Lay the box flat. On the large rectangular parts of the box, draw a frame, stepping back 1.5-2 cm from the edges. Cut along the marked lines.
4. Assemble the box in its original state, but with the colored side facing inward.
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5. Take a sheet of white A4 paper and cut it to the size of the box. Cut out a rectangle of the same size from black cardboard.
6. Cut out trees from black cardboard and glue them onto a white sheet.
7. Glue the paper to the inside of the box as shown in the photo below.
8. Make a slot at the bottom of the box for the figures.
9. Secure the screen to the edge of the table with tape.
10. Install the lamp at the back at a distance of 2-3 meters from the screen. For clear shadows, the light must fall directly and not from the side. Be sure to warn your child to be careful around the hot lamp.
The shadow theater is ready! Turn off the lights, invite an audience and perform a shadow show.
Hand shadow theater
The hand shadow theater is one of the most simple types shadow art. Its equipment will require the most ordinary items- table lamp and screen - a large sheet of white paper or cloth. If the room has light walls, theatrical performance of light and shadow can be displayed directly on the wall.
The pictures show how you can use your hands to create silhouettes of animals, birds, and people. With practice, you can bring the shadows to life and show your own story.
- You can start introducing children to shadow theater at the age of 1.5-2 years. The first classes should be held as a theatrical performance, when the roles are played by an adult, and the children act as spectators. After the child understands the rules and traditions theatrical arts, it can be included in the game as a participant in the action. Children play and voice roles, learn texts and poems. At first, trust small, simple roles. Then gradually make it more difficult.
- Cardboard figures of shadow theater actors should be black, then they will be contrasting and noticeable on the screen. To make your own figures, use curly stencils. If you plan to reuse your homemade figures, we recommend laminating them.
- To ensure clear shadows, place the light source behind and slightly to the side of the screen. The light source will be a regular table lamp or flashlight.
- The size of the shadow on the screen depends on the distance from the figure to the lamp. If you bring the figure closer to the screen, its shadow will become small and clear. If you place it further away, the shadow will increase in size and the contours will be blurred.
- To ensure that the decorations do not move during the performance, attach them to the screen itself using tape or paper clips.
- What paper, tracing paper or a white sheet are perfect as a screen. The smaller the screen you use, the thinner and more transparent it needs to be, and the brighter the light source you need.
- In order to create a theatrical atmosphere, you can draw a poster, tickets and even arrange an intermission.
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Children are great dreamers and storytellers, capable of inventing many incredible stories, and see the magic in every little thing. And the child will remember the opportunity to participate in the creation of a theatrical performance based on his own plot for the rest of his life. Take your time: make your own shadow theater for children - stencils for first performances and useful practical advice you will find in our article.
Where does shadow theater come from?
The art of shadow performances originated in Asia approximately 1,700 years ago. It is difficult to name the exact place, but traditionally it is considered to be China, where they still honor a beautiful legend about the emergence of the first shadow theater:
Once upon a time, one of the ancient Chinese emperors experienced grief - a serious illness claimed the life of his beloved wife. The widower was inconsolable. Forgetting about government affairs, he retired to his chambers and refused to talk to his family. Deprived of a powerful hand, the mighty empire risked falling into decay.
The situation was saved by a clever courtier, who once called the emperor to the chambers of his deceased wife to show her silhouette behind the curtain. The shocked ruler silently watched as the shadow of his beloved moved behind the thin screen. Such performances became an evening tradition and gradually the emperor’s melancholy left him, because he realized: death is like this thin fabric barrier, it only temporarily separated him from his beloved, and they will meet again in another life.
History is silent about the fate of the courtier who created the first shadow theater with his own hands. But it is known for certain that such ideas quickly became popular in all social circles, and their geography over several centuries covered all of China, India, Turkey, and a little later Europe and Russia.
Shadow theater has survived to this day almost unchanged: the staging of light and the mobility of graceful silhouettes are still the same. But if now it is easy to find and print simple stencils for home performances, then in the past select craftsmen were engaged in making dolls. They tanned donkey skins with their own hands, from which they carved figures. The dolls were decorated with fine paintings and worked out to the smallest detail.
The puppets for the shadow theater were not very tall; usually their height was about 30 cm. However, the complexity of the productions is amazing: up to 1000 figures were involved in one performance, controlled by puppeteers using long rods. The play of light and shadow, the movement of silhouettes to music and an exciting plot: shadow theater remains a favorite form of art for children and adults all over the world. It’s easy to experience beauty by printing out stencils and making a shadow theater with your own hands.
The benefits of shadow theater for children
The brightness and dynamics of the shadow theater scenery have a positive effect on the child’s psyche. But the joy of participating in a performance is far from the only plus of shadow stops; there are several more important ones for general development moments:
- The very atmosphere necessary for the shadow theater show is relaxing and sets the mood for intimate communication. Twilight and the expectation of some kind of sacrament - this is so similar to the gatherings around the fire that many people remember;
- The heroes of the productions have a conventional appearance, only the silhouette is determined. To understand the full picture of what is happening, you need to use your imagination;
- Shadow theater gives children a chance to try themselves in new role, stimulates the desire for self-expression and simplifies social adaptation;
- The need to remember the plot and lines trains attention and concentration. For children, participation in shadow theater performances will be a good way to expand their vocabulary and develop speech;
- Controlling dolls stimulates fine motor skills and teaches hand coordination.
Of course, you shouldn’t demand a lot from kids right away. First, let them master the role-playing game skill itself, without a plot. Let children have plenty of fun with the figures made from stencils, learn how to control them and voice them. Perhaps children will soon have favorite characters, which will give a new impetus to their imagination - inventing stories for impressive characters is always more interesting.
Essentially, a shadow theater is a properly lit fabric screen and a set of figures. The screen is easy to make with your own hands:
- Cut a wide rectangular frame from thick cardboard;
- Take a piece of thin white fabric, cut out a rectangle that exactly matches the size of the outer edges of the frame;
- Carefully glue the fabric onto the cardboard, avoiding wrinkles. The screen should be well stretched. You can use regular PVA or Moment glue.
A curtain made of thick material can be attached to the front of the screen to open and close it, just like in a real theater. It is important that the curtain material slides freely, so use a smooth synthetic cord as a fastener.
Think in advance where exactly in your home it is best to place the shadow theater so that you can set the light correctly. The lighting source should be located above and behind the screen, then only the silhouettes of the dolls will be visible on the fabric, and the puppeteer himself will remain hidden from view.
The most crucial moment is working with stencils. To make them you will need:
- Thin cardboard;
- Paper or plastic tubes (can be replaced with long wooden skewers);
- Sheets of black paper;
- Glue gun;
- Scissors.
Having some artistic skills, you can draw the silhouettes of the desired characters yourself, but it is much easier and faster to use ready-made stencils. You might like our selection.
So, let's start making the figures:
Don’t forget to take into account which side of the screen this or that character will appear on during the action, so that the figure’s profile is turned in the desired direction.
Take care of creating decorations - stencils of trees, houses, fences, etc. will come in handy here. The scenery is tightly attached directly to the frame, for which an elastic band is pulled along its inner side - it presses the stencil holders during the performance. If you need to increase the size of the shadow, move the doll away from the screen and the silhouette will become larger, but lose its clarity. 
Do not exclude children from preparing the props - working with stencils will only fuel their interest. At the same time, tell us about the history of this unusual looking art. Having made a shadow theater for children with your own hands, do not rush to throw away the stencils, you will still need them. Place the preparations in a paper envelope and quickly invite everyone in your household to an exciting performance.
Shadow theater is an ancient, very spectacular and amazing (especially for children) art form. How to make a screen and “actors” for a shadow theater with your own hands; how to come up with and provide for the most spectacular and surprising moments of the performance; how to involve children in rehearsals and staging shadow theater performances - answers to all these questions can easily be found in the publications of this thematic section. Here is collected the living experience of teachers in the field of this type of theatrical art, which contains great opportunities for comprehensive development children.
Shadow theater. Mysterious shadows on a magical canvas.
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All sections | DIY shadow theater
Master class for teachers “Making and using a tabletop shadow theater in working with preschoolers” Master class for teachers: “Making and using tabletop shadow theater in working with preschoolers" Target: To interest and encourage educators to make shadow theater, followed by its use in theatrical activities for preschool children...
Notes on the educational situation with preschoolers “Shadow Theater” Educational region: cognitive development Age group: senior group (5-6 years) Subject: Shadow Theater Main goals : - introduce the features of a new species theater - shadow; - teach how to perform basic elements theatrical performances in shadow play : Right...
Do-it-yourself shadow theater - Photo report “Showing the German fairy tale “A Pot of Porridge” for children 3–4 years old. Shadow Theater"
Publication “Photo report “Display of the German fairy tale “A Pot of Porridge” for children 3–4 years old...." IN everyday life kindergarten, I use various types theaters Theater is an excellent way to overcome timidity, self-doubt, and shyness. Theatrical activities allow you to shape the child’s personality due to the fact that each fairy tale or...
Image library "MAAM-pictures"
They were caroling! Sang, danced, had fun! It's incredibly fun and exciting when we're together! Games, jokes, sports, carols! How happy the children were! And a meeting with Sasha Cherny's Christmas fairy tale in the shadow theater! Opening remarks We give it to the priest. Shadow theater is...
Consultation “Shadow theater in the hands of a speech therapist” Today, the development of new technologies for an integrated approach to the content of speech therapy classes is very relevant. Integrated speech therapy sessions contribute to the development of children's creative and speech abilities. The tasks of speech therapy work come down to social...
Shadow Theater "Two Greedy Bears" Two greedy little bears SHADOW THEATER Based on a Hungarian fairy tale, arranged by A. Krasnov and V. Vazhdaev MADOU No. 304, Rostov-on-Don. Educator: Denichenko A.V. Target. Continue to develop interest in fiction. Learn to notice and understand various means...
Do-it-yourself shadow theater - Master class on creating a shadow theater from scrap materials
Manufacturing methodological manual with your own hands from available material Master class on creating a shadow theater Goal: developing interest in theatrical activities, shadow theater in children and their parents Objectives: - introduction to shadow theater as an art form; -...
Seminar-workshop for educators “Shadow Theater” Municipal budget preschool educational institution « kindergarten“Lingonberry” Seminar-workshop for teachers “Shadow Theater” Prepared by: Pavlenko E.R. Severobaikalsk 2017 Seminar-workshop “Shadow Theater” Goal. Introduce teachers to the history...
A theatrical performance of shadow and light is an unusual and interesting activity that all children, without exception, will enjoy.
Exciting preparation, creating scenes and characters with your own hands will give a good incentive to the development of imagination and will become one of the brightest and kindest memories of their childhood!
How to make a Shadow Theater at home? Brashechka will tell you!
Preparing the stage for the Shadow Theater
We will need a light source, an improvised screen and a place where we can feel comfortable as actors :)
As a screen A piece of wide white wallpaper remaining after renovation, a white sheet, thin Whatman paper, or, in extreme cases, several sheets of paper fastened together at the joint, will work perfectly.
Light source An ordinary table lamp or lamp will serve; it will need to be installed behind and slightly to the side of the screen.
Important! The smaller the screen, the thinner and more transparent it needs to be, and the brighter the light source needed!
Now let's decide on the size of the stage.
A large stage for several children or a compact option for one participant? Decide for yourself!
Option 1. Bolshoi theater stage
Is there a bunk bed? Consider the stage of the Shadow Theater already ready! The lucky owners can safely set aside the entire first floor for actors. You just need to attach the screen to the curtain rod and press it down with a mattress.
Less “lucky” with furniture? No problem! :)
Drape a sheet over the doorway, create a “house” under your desk, or simply stretch it between two chairs!
Option 2. Compact stage for one actor
A very convenient option to store and use many times.
Minus - suitable only for puppet shows and it will take a little longer to do it.
Take an unnecessary (or make it yourself from scrap materials) large wooden frame, A4-A5 format will be just right. Stretch thin fabric or transparent matte paper over it, secure with small nails and place on a stand. The stage is set!
A wonderful folding stage can also be made from a large cardboard box, in the form of a window with shutters. The “glass” of the window will be the screen of our theater, and the “shutters” will provide stability to the improvised stage.
A great lighting option for a shadow puppet theater is a headlamp! :)
Take care to secure the screen cloth tightly.
This will make the work of little actors much easier in the future!
The stage is almost ready!
Let's make a curtain for her so that our Shadow Theater looks more solemn and very, very real! :)
Scenery and character figures for Shadow Theater
Making shadows with your hands
We've all played with hand shadows on a brightly lit wall more than once.
Let's remember a few basic shapes to get you started:
Click on the picture to view or print diagrams of how to fold the shadow of a wolf, dog, goat, rooster, hare, swan, goose or pig with your hands.
Figure out how to portray someone else yourself!
Figures and decorations for the Shadow Theater made of cardboard
For puppet theater For shadows, we will need pre-prepared figures and decorations. You can find and download ready-made stencil pictures for the Shadow Theater, but it’s much more interesting to come up with a story and draw its characters for the Shadow Theater yourself!
Ask a child who main character his tales? Is he good or evil? What happened to him? And together you will come up with a great story!
Start with a small number of characters - two or three is enough for the first time. After practicing, you can easily move on to more complex performances :)
Decorations for the Shadow Theater It is better to make it from thick cardboard, which is used for packaging household appliances. We don’t want our castle or a large tree to bend under its own weight?!
Characters, drawn and/or printed on plain paper, paste them onto a rigid base and cut them out with scissors. Thin cardboard for appliques is perfect as a base.
If you plan to use the figures you made for the Shadow Theater more than once, we recommend laminating them.
Mounts for scenery and characters
Mounts are needed to control the figures without casting unnecessary shadows with your own hands.
Option 1
Use small hooks made from bent paper clips as holders for large figures and decorations.
Option 2
Split the cocktail tube at one end and glue it to the figure from the wrong side.
Option 3
Attach thin wooden or plastic sticks to the figures using adhesive tape.
Mounts made from paper clips (option 1) are convenient because such decorations can simply be leaned against the screen. In this case, our little actors won’t have to rack their brains about where to get a few more hands in addition to the ones they already have :)
Have you planned a play with several acts and need to change the scenery? Have a short but real intermission! :)
Add some color to the Shadow Theater
Color spots will add even more mystery to everything that happens! :)
Method 1.
Use a colored canvas for the screen. Shadows on a color screen are visible almost the same as on a white screen.
Method 2.
Try cutting out shapes from tinted sheets of paper, for example, for drawing with pastels. The color of the paper will show through the white screen.
Finishing touch
Now we are ready to put on a show!
There’s just a little bit left to do - draw the invitations and send them to friends and acquaintances. And after the performance, don’t forget to have a tea party and discuss the performance you watched together!
