Worlds of Shadow: Teaching with Shadow Puppetry

by David Wisniewski

The Wisniewskis, codirectors of the acclaimed Clarion Shadow Theatre, have modernized and simplified the techniques of the ancient art of shadow puppetry and created this easy step-by-step guide. After a brief overview of light and screen options, the authors show you how to introduce concepts of light and shadow to students. Stage directions, puppet patterns, scripts, projected scenery ideas, and a full range of astounding but readily achieved special effects help you quickly master any performance-from simple songs and rhymes to full-blown stories and plays. The special effects use such common materials as wax paper and colored plastic, and no art skills are needed. Suitable for the novice as well as the specialist, the guide has chapters on intermediate and advanced techniques for those who desire a more varied and complex production.

244 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1996

About the author

David R. Wisniewski was an American writer and illustrator best known for children's books.

He attended the University of Maryland, College Park but quit after one semester to join the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, graduating in 1973. He worked for several years as a clown before moving to Maryland and joining the Prince George's Country Puppet Theatre where he met his wife Donna Harris. In 1980, they started the Clarion Puppet Theatre (later known as the Clarion Shadow Theatre) which toured in schools, theaters and at the Smithsonian. After his children were born, he become a full-time author/ illustrator, using layers of cut paper to illustrate children's books. His book Golem, won the 1997 Caldecott Medal.

In his acceptance speech, he said of himself: "I am a self-taught artist and writer who depends on instincts developed through years of circus and puppet performance to guide a story's structure and look."

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool fun stuff. Great for kids!

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guide for teachers (grades K-6) for creating shadow puppet shows in classroom settings using overhead projectors. It's a little dated in places (and it's been awhile since I've even seen an overhead projector), so it might have to be adapted to modern smart boards, etc. But the templates are very good, and the instructions for assembly and rehearsals aimed at various age levels sound doable. Some of the stories with templates are "Humpty-Dumpty," "Jack and Jill," "The Three Billy Goats Gruff," "The Three Little Pigs," "Little Red Riding Hood," and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Additional stories without templates include "The Brementown Musicians" and "The Goblin Spiders." Might be a fun pickup for elementary school teachers.

[Jill Frederickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough exploration of shadow puppet practical work with good lesson plans and production ideas for every age group.

[Rick Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book, but it was really intended for classrom settings with young children.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own it. I aspire to apply it's lessons.