Details & Registration

• Feb 24, Mar 3, Mar 10, Mar 17, Mar 24 (Tues) 2026 | 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

• Location: Puppet Showplace Theater

• $315 Regular / plus 4% service fee

  $270 Access / plus 4% service fee

  $365 Supporter / plus 4% service fee

• Plus $15 Materials Fee (required)

• Puppets at Night members receive 15% off
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Registration Deadline: February 10

Registration Coming Soon!

Register early — if minimum enrollment is not met by February 10 the class will be cancelled.

About the Class

What do translucent buffalo hides and overhead projectors have in common? Shadow puppetry is a centuries-old art form that is constantly evolving to incorporate new materials and technologies. In Shadow Puppetry 101, learn the basics of this multifaceted art-form with Resident Artist Sarah Nolen.

In this supportive and introductory level class, we’ll begin with hands-on exploration of different shadow styles and light sources. Then, we’ll craft jointed puppets from durable materials. We will learn how to bring each rodded shadow character to life with movement, sound, and various materials. Focused on the design and animation of a fully realized puppet character, participants will create short vignettes around these flat figures to add a dimension of drama!

This is a beginner level class: no puppetry or material building experience is necessary, but certainly welcome! Participants will complete all work within the class timeframe. Cutting tools, light instruments, practice screens, cardstock, and all necessary materials will be provided by the instructor (a materials fee is included).

Check out these Instagram reels from the first day and last day of class!

Recommended for adults and teens 16+

About the Instructor

Sarah Nolen is a puppeteer and filmmaker known for her versatile work across multiple puppetry styles. Originally from Texas, Sarah lives in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she works as a freelance puppeteer, director, and puppet builder for both stage and screen through her company, Puppet Motion. 

Currently, she is the third-ever resident artist at Puppet Showplace Theater, touring family puppet shows and teaching puppetry to all ages. Most recently, Sarah was a shadow puppet fabricator for A.R.T.'s The Odyssey (2025), built a puppet and puppeteered in Adam McKay's Don’t Look Up (2021), and directed Sandglass Theater's latest puppet production Feral (2024). In June 2025, Sarah premiered Party Animals, a new touring family puppet show with original music by Phil Berman.