Shadow Puppets

Shadow puppetry is generally the most accessible form of puppetry as very spectacular results can be achieved in the shortest time using the minimum of materials and the simplest of methods. On the other hand, as with all the types of puppet mentioned here, the longer the length of the project, the more one can explore and achieve.

The most common type of shadow puppet workshop involves making very simple puppets out of thin card using coloured cellophane to create colour. Many other ways of casting shadows can be explored however, including the use of our own bodies and different light sources.

Therefore this type of workshop is ideal for exploring light and shadow within the National Curriculum. It can also be presented with reference to the production Alice and the White Rabbit or The Catfish & The Witch or The Worm That Squirmed or to examples of shadow puppets from India and Indonesia (see background)

There are very many materials that can be used to make shadow puppets, as well as ways to make shadows of many different qualities. For details of more in-depth technical, drama & theatre-related workshops, including contemporary European influences, see training.

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