How long does it take us to build a new puppet show? Coyote Places the Stars, which is a 5 minute show, took us about two weeks from start to finish. That includes writing and recording the script, designing and creating the puppets, creating the lightboxes and rehearsing all the movement. We divided a lot of the work; Cecilia handled the script, based on an idea from Genna and cut out puppets, while Genna designed all the puppets and sets and built the lightboxes. Here are some photos from the process:

The lightboxes that Genna built. They stack to form a tower.

Puppets in process of being cut out. After they are cut, we add velcro, sometimes to both sides so we can flip them.

Between the puppets and the stencils for the workshop, the living room table got rather messy.

Finished puppets mounted on their rods with velcro, waiting to perform.

We experimented with various lights and gels to get different looks and colors on the different lightboxes.

The final sets in place, with Coyote looking up at the stars and Bear waiting down on earth.