How to Put on a Children's Puppet Show

Puppetry is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and has been amusing young and old alike for centuries. Puppet shows performed for children, however, need to be specifically crafted in order to grab and keep their attention. Following a few basic steps will help you string together an enticing and exciting performance. 

As many puppeteers will tell you, the first and most important step is knowing your audience. 

“Kids deserve a creative show with a beginning, middle and end that entertains them,” said Stephanie Johnson, a freelance ventriloquist and actor who has been performing professionally for five years. “It’s good to know the age group and the venue so you have some idea about creating what you will perform. You work your show from there.” 

Children are of an especially tricky demographic; much time and energy is needed in developing an engaging show. The first step in actual show production is the script. You can use an already existing puppet play, but most puppeteers develop their own stories. 

“I always writes my own shows. It allows you to know your puppet character best,” said Johnson. 

She suggests that first-timers practice off existing scripts to nail down timing and pace. Once you obtain these rudimentary skills, start throwing some ideas around. 

“The Complete Book of Puppetry” (Plays, Inc, 1975), one of the foremost handbooks of many puppeteers, states that writing a puppet play should be similar to writing anything else: You first need a basic outline. Beginning, middle, and end, a climax, some action–these are all requirements crucial to an entertaining plot. 

“Most of my shows are educational,” said Johnson. “I have a hard time not writing lessons or morals in my stories. A storytelling scenario works well for the kids. It is what they are accustomed to, and it’s a good way for them to interact with the puppet.”