Box Theater - Create a Show in a Box!

Box Theater

Create a show in a box!

This activity allows kids
of all ages to let their creativity
shine!

A perfect activity for indoor play.





What You Will Need:

• Blank Game Box or similar box
• Magnet Kit or Magnet Set
• Steel Washers (must be attracted to a magnet)
• Underwater World Box Theater Templates (click this link to download and print)
• Colored Pencils
• Art Board or cardstock
• Scissors
• 2 feet of String (or Yarn)
• Tape
• Glue

Make the Theater Screen:

• Cut two pieces of string 12" long each.
• Poke holes in a Blank Game Box, about halfway along each edge, as shown. Holes only need to be large enough to pass the string through.
• Pass a string through a hole and tie it to the lid. Do this for each side of the lid.
• Close the box lid, and poke a corresponding hole in the side of the box, directly under the hole in the lid.
• Open the lid and pass a string through the hole in the box side, then tie it so the lid will stay open.
• Repeat for other side.
• When the box is open, the top of the lid should face the audience. The open box will face you. The strings prevent the lid of the box from moving forward once you begin your show.

Make the Underwater Backdrop:

• A simple backdrop can be a plain sheet of blue paper. If you prefer, you could paint a sheet of paper to look like water.
• Glue or tape your underwater backdrop to the outside lide of your theater screen. Be sure it's facing upright when the lid is open and the audience is looking at it.

Make the Underwater Creatures:

• Download and print our Underwater World Box Theater templates (see the link above).
• Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to color the creatures you would like to use.
• Use a scissors to carefully cut out each completed creature.
• Glue or tape a steel washer to the back of each creature.
• Place your underwater creatures in the box for safe keeping.

Put on the Show!

• Place your Box Theater on a chair or table. Stand behind the Box Theater, facing the audience, with the open box in front of you. The underwater backdrop should be facing the audience.
• Take out various creatures and hold them on the front of the screen while placing a magnet on the backside of the box lid to hold the creature in place.
• Slide the magnets on the backside of the box to bring your creatures to life. The audience will think the creatures are really floating or swimming in the ocean scene!
• Make sure to narrate your story as you move the creatures. Be creative and have fun!
• When your show is over, place all the creatures and magnets in the box and close the lid for safe storage.

Variations:

• Laminate your playing pieces for more durability.
• Create your own backdrop and character pieces! Be creative!
• Create a separate box for a variety of Box Theaters!