Crank it up! Shadow puppetry is the oldest know type of puppetry and one of the first forms of storytelling known to mankind. In this class, students will learn about shadow puppetry and its different types, as well as “Crankies” which are another old type of storytelling device using a moving panorama, often utilized in conjunction with shadow puppets in modern puppetry. We will learn to build several different kinds of shadow puppets, a small shadow puppet theater, and a theater inspired by the “Crankies,” so that each student may create their own little puppet show. Once each student has these skills and their own little theaters, the possibilities will be endless for future puppet shows!

Materials

Students are responsible for providing materials for this class.

Materials List

1. Two cardboard boxes with the flat side having minimum dimensions of 9” by 12” and depth of 8” (all these dimensions are minimums, if they are a little bigger, then that is okay.)

2. Scrap cardboard from cardboard boxes and cereal boxes

3. Scissors

4. Low temp glue gun with glue sticks

5. Desk lamp (preferably with an LED bulb, so it will not get hot)

6. 1 box cutter (for adults only)

7. 10 sheets of standard blank copy paper

8. 5 sheets black cardstock paper

9. 1 white colored pencil

10. Tape measure

11. 20 small brads

12. Hole punch (1/8”)

13. 5 floral wire rods

14. 10 Shish-kebob skewers

15. 1 set of watercolor markers

16. 1 black sharpie

17. 2 pencils with eraser

18. 1 pencil sharpener

19. Duct tape

20. 1 small roll clear packing tape

21. 1 paste glue stick

22. 2 small sheets of poster-board

23. 1 small square of white shower curtain liner

24. 3 flat cardboard screens

25. 10 assorted sheets of construction paper

26. Patterns

27. Something to protect your table from the project

Online Classes at IS183

Though IS183 Art School has temporarily closed its doors due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, we are committed to our mission to provide hands-on art-making opportunities, keeping creativity alive during this challenging time. Our new Online Art series offers digital opportunities to work with talented IS183 Faculty Artists, bringing the studio experience to you!

Tuition

To make these classes as accessible as possible to everyone, we are offering each class with the option to select how much you want to pay. No matter which option you choose, you'll join the same class as everyone else. We trust that you will support IS183 with whatever you can afford, and encourage you to support the school with an additional donation during this challenging time, if possible.

How It Works

Register for a class (or series) on our website, and we will email you a Zoom meeting link along with instructions. Simply use the link to join the online class at the designated time! Download the Zoom app on your smartphone or tablet, or use your laptop/desktop web browser. The web browser client will download automatically when you join your first Zoom meeting. (Have a look at this Zoom overview.)

You will join a live, interactive lesson presented in real-time by an IS183 Faculty Artist. Small class sizes will allow you to engage personally with the instructor and other students, just like in the studio! Faculty lessons will primarily be demonstration-based, but may have segments in which students are challenged to work on independent assignments. Each class and faculty approach will be unique! 

Thank you for continuing to make art and support IS183 Art School! We look forward to seeing you in the (virtual) studios! 

Please see our policies on cancellations, refunds, and more.