Shadow Suitcase Theatre: Building a Portable Shadow Puppet Show

Over the weekend, I’ll guide you through transforming a suitcase into a beautiful shadow puppet theatre, opening up exciting possibilities for touring a shadow puppet show. A suitcase provides the perfect foundation for a strong, lightweight, and portable mini theatre.

Whether you already have an idea for a show, want to use shadow puppetry in educational settings, or are looking to expand your skills as a maker, this course is for you. Join us for an inclusive and enriching learning experience where you’ll gain the essential skills to realise your creative vision. You’ll learn industry-standard making techniques, ideal for anyone looking to continue their professional development.

Programme

Saturday 7th March -10am–4pm Puppet Making @ Puppet Place

Sunday 8th March -10am–4pm Puppet Making @ Puppet Place

You Will Learn How To:

• Transform a suitcase into a durable, tour-ready set piece
• Create professional-grade shadow puppets with strong, long-lasting joints
• Use different types of light sources for shadow puppetry
• Tell stories through visual imagery
• Confidently and safely use hand tools
  

Who Am I?

With a background in theatre and live events, I have been building puppets, props, and sets for over 11 years. After training as a puppet maker and puppeteer at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2012, I went on to work freelance with a wide range of clients — from Handspring’s War Horse to creating character costumes for pantomimes at the London Palladium.

I later founded my company, Paper Jungle, which specialises in highly crafted puppets that bring stories to life. Alongside this, I continued my training as a 3D designer while completing an MA at the University of the West of England. I remain continually fascinated by the power of puppets to capture emotion and transform imaginations.

Follow me on Instagram HERE

See more of my work HERE

Where?

The workshop takes place at Puppet Place, the home of puppetry in the South West, located in the heart of Bristol. You’ll be working alongside the studios of leading puppet makers.

18 Albion Dockside Estate Hanover Place Bristol BS1 6UT

BRING YOUR OWN SUITCASE!

Feedback from previous courses:

“Bella created a stress-free, welcoming environment that allowed everyone to follow their own creative vision.”

“The masterclass gave me a real creative boost and taught me vital technical skills I truly needed.”