How to Make a Puppet Theater DIY Tutorial

This post is sponsored by Fairfield. Learn how to make a Puppet Theater with this DIY tutorial!  This theater not only is great for impromptu puppet shows, but its also the half skirt can be removed so little ones can put on plays as well!  Easy to put together using metalic Oly*Fun cloth – this no sew tutorial is a must have for any grandma’s play room.

For this project you will need:

1 bolt of Red Oly*Fun Metallic Cloth (I also used a little of the gold cloth for the ties but that’s completely optional)

Low temperature glue gun and glue sticks

26 feet of 3/4 inch PVC pipe

2 3/4 inch PVC elbow connectors

6 3/4 inch  PVC “T” fittings

PVC Pipe Cutter

Rotary Cutter Ruler and Mat

 

How to Make a Puppet Theater DIY Tutorial

Step 1 – Cut PVC pipe for frame

To make the frame you will need to cut the following:

3 lengths of 42″ for the cross bars

4 Lengths of 26.5″ for the vertical bars

2 Lengths of 6″ for the valance bars

4 lengths of 18 inches for the base bars

Assemble using the diagram to check that everything is cut correctly

Step 2 – Cut the Fabric

Because of the nature of the fabric I am hanging the fabric both on the cross and lengthwise grain – you can’t tell the difference and it will save on fabric

For the Valance:

Cut a Piece of fabric that is 2 yards long.  Cut off 9.5 from the width so that fabric is 72″ by 20.5

For the curtains:

Cut 2 lengths that are 59″ long (1.6 yards)

For the Puppet Theater Skirt:

Cut a length that is 1.5 yards long.

For the Ties:

Cut 2 lengths that are 3″ wide by 30″

Step 3 – Glue the material

We’re going to make channel to run the pipe through (a casing is you’re a sewist).

For the Valance:

On one of of the long sides (2 yards long side) fold the top 3 inches down so wrongs sides are touching. Crease the fabric at fold to mark the line. Unfold fabric.

Run Glue along the edge of the fabric and fold down – using crease as a guide.

For the Curtains.

On one of the short sides that measures 30″  Fold down 3 inches and repeat the same process as on valance. (do this to both curtains)

For the skirt:

Fold the long side  the skirt down 3 inches and repeat the process used for the valance and curtains.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Step 4 – Add the Fabric to the Frame.

Thread the valance to the highest cross bar.  Add each of the curtains to the Middle bar – separate  and tie to the posts with the ties.

 If you want it to be a puppet theater add the skirt to last bar and add to frame. Simple add or remove the skirt and cross bar to change the puppet theater to a stage for your kiddos.

Step 5 – Storing the theater

Take the fabric off the frame.  Roll the fabric around the pieces of pipe.

Cut a piece of cloth that is 1.25 yards long.  Fold in half length wise so it is a long skinny rectangle.  Glue the bottom and the long side together – leaving the top open.

Slide in the pipe and connectors – tie the top with one of the curtain ties.

Like the cute butterfly costume shown below?  You can get that tutorial here.