How to Make a Shadow Play Screen
When we were a child, we all used to play with shadows—making a bird, dog, pig, and so many things without hands from the shadow. These things are indeed child play. But the whole concept of shadow play is not. Many plays in theatres require creating a shadow effect for the play. So, if you want to make a play and looking for learning how to make a shadow play screen, we are here to help you.
When you make a different figure with your hands, you know how things work right. You have to be in dim lightroom, and you need a light and a surface to create the shadows with your hand. If the veneer is thin and people can see behind, your shadow screen is designed. Based on this idea, we will enjoy learning our DIY project on how to make a shadow play screen.
DIY: How to Make a Shadow Play Screen
Make the Plan
Before you can start with the project, you have to plan out the thing you are going to do. First, you need to understand how the whole shadow plays things work and what you want to use it. The shadow play theatre can be used for puppets or for big theatrical dramas. Depending on your need, the size and material used for the project will change.
So, how does the shadow play work?
The shadows are created when you stand in front of a light source, and you have a surface in the front, your shadow will be presented on that surface. If the body is stable and not see-through, then the shadow will not be shown from behind the cover. But if the shell is thin, people behind the character will be able to see the shadow. They will not be able to see the actual person due to the light source being behind them. And with this theory, the shadow play is created.
Now, the source of light is significant in this project. If the light is not strong enough to reach and spread on the screen you are using, the shadow will not be useful at all. The more the light source is, the stronger the shadows will be. In case you are planning for a little puppet screen, any light or flashlight from your phone will work. But for the more significant project, things will have to change. We will focus on the more substantial project for this work.
Materials You Need
The materials you are going to choose will have a more significant effect on the project. With the wrong materials, you will not be able to successfully make the shadow play screen. We are going to present different ideas so you can choose what available and convenient for you.
You will need a screen. You can use a projector screen for the purpose, but they might not be big enough for the whole project. The best option is to use a piece of white fabric. You can create a large screen as you need with the white fabric. The material should be white, not other cool, incredibly deep colors, as they will absorb the light and not let anything reflect.
The next thing you need is light. The light needs to be healthy according to the surface. A big flashlight will work for all the sources. If you do not have a big flashlight, then you can use smaller ones as well. If you do not have anything, you can use a candle.
A hanging surface for the screen. You can use pipes and other sticks that will be enough to hold the fabric or screen materials.
Step for Arrangement
Step 1
The first thing you need to do is find the proper place where you want to do the play. If the screen is significant, you will need a bit more space. You will need enough room for the people to do the game behind the screen. Also, the light source needs to maintain a proper distance. That is why arranging a suitable space is essential. Also, your audience should be a little behind to see the screen correctly.
Step 2
After you have arranged the space, you need to assemble the things in the right place. The first thing you should do is fix the possibility of the light, and according to that, you can arrange the screen. Position the light in a place that it will reflect right at the screen. There should not be any movement; the light needs to stay still.
After fixing the light, you need to place the screen. Arrange the handing surface first and drape the net on them. You need to see if the space between the light and the screen is enough for people to move.
Step 3
As for the final step of how to make a shadow play screen, you have to test everything. Light up the flashlight and turn the lights off on the room. Ask someone to monitor everything, and you can go ahead and do the play. If the light is too close or too behind, fix the screen beforehand. And you are done with the project.
Final Thoughts
That was all for how to make a shadow play screen. You can use this knowledge to create any kind of shadow screen you want. If you’re going to do it for a puppet show, just arrange a smaller screen and light. As for the more significant source, you only need to add more light to it. You have to make sure that the place you are doing the play is capable of being dark enough for the shadow to be played correctly. If there is any additional light source, the shadow play will not be like what you are intended for. Hopefully, our tips and instruction will help you create the best shadow play screen and enjoy your time to the fullest.
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