DIY Puppet Theater

My lastest project was a puppet theater for the girls to put on plays. I really needed something to get me outside and to get my hands dirty with. I love working with my hands and this is one project that is easy, inexpensive and fun to do.

You will need the following items:
One 4'x8'x3/4" sheet of plywood that is finished on both sides
36 inch peice of 1"x6" pine or oak for a shelf
Four 1x1 inch hinges
Two feet of light garden pot hanger chain (it's cheaper than chain)
Paint of choice
48 inch curtain rod
Curtain material

You will need to cut the plywood into one 4'x4' peice and two 2'x4' peices. Sand all sides to make sure that there are no rough edges. Cut a 3'x1' foot hole in the 4'x4' peice for the stage area. Cut or fit the 3' pine or oak shelf in. Secure with screws or nails. You can cut holes in the two smaller side peices if you would like. Use a lid or something for a perfect circle. I did and it looks nice. Paint all the peices. You should have 3 peices now.

After the paint dries, attach the hinges to the side panels about a foot from the top and the bottom. Then attach the hinges to the front 4'x4' panel with the stage. Hang the curtain rod on the back of the front peice. Buy or make some curtains for the stage that hang down a few inches below the stage.

Finally, attach a chain to the inside just below the top of the side panel and the front panel to keep it from opening all the way and falling down. Do this to both sides.

Here is what my girls got today. I am hoping that they get hours of fun. I am also expecting some sibling fighting or it as well.

I did have some of the parts but if I had to buy everything, it would have been about $25. Timewise, painting was the longest step. But, I figure I spent about 4 hours from start to finish.

Have fun and great dirty.