My son's Kindergarten teacher had a wishlist of items for her classroom. One of them was a puppet theater. They have a whole rack of puppets, but no theater to put on a show. When I saw it online retailing for $70, I knew right away I could build something similar for a fraction of the cost. It took me just a couple hours to build, everything from scraps in my garage.
Another parent donated the fabric for the curtains. Just a couple late nights of simple sewing and spray painting, "Luce Theater" was born. The top sign was spray painted with chalkboard paint
The kids also got to sign their name on the sides so she will always remember this year's class.
BASIC PLANS FOR PUPPET THEATER
Finished front and back views
Step 1 - Build frame with 1x4s (3.5"x.75") pieces
2 - 19.5" long
2- 24" long
Kreg jig or predrill for screws
*Also on your long pieces, this would be the perfect time to drill a spot for the dowel piece (picture at the end) if you plan on adding a curtain.
Cut your dowel piece about 18.5" long
Drill a hole 1/4 of an inch depth into each 24" board about 2" from the top, centered.
You can place dowel in when you build the frame or try to add it later. Probably best to secure now.
Step 2 - Add middle board
18"x 6" - attach with glue and screws on sides or just use brad nailer
Center this board on the bottom board. There should be about 1 3/8" space on either side
Step 3 - Cut out and attach "stage" piece
First, start with a board 18"x7". Measure from the center of the board (at 9") to the halfway point on each side (3.5") and draw an arc between those points. I did this by hand and just eyeballed it.
Cut the arc with a jigsaw and sand down any uneven or rough edges.
Step 4 - Add legs
Use a 1x4 and cut 2 pices at 7.5" long (7.5x3.5)
Measure 3.5" (1.75" on each side of center) and 1.75" from the bottom to mark your angles.
Use chop saw to cut off each side angle.
Attach each leg with glue and nail gun or at least 2 screws on each side
Step 5 - Add back ledge piece on BACK of theater
(back side is whichever side the "stage" (rounded top piece) is NOT facing
This piece helps hold in chalk or eraser
Cut a 1x2 @ 19.5" long and attach to the bottom of the frame using glue and brad nails
All finished!
If you haven't added your dowel piece yet, do that now.
This project would be easier to paint or stain before screwing/nailing together. Remember to paint front and or back parts with chalkboard paint if you want to be able to write on your theater.
