Puppet Resources
Build Your Stage
Carrie's portable PVC puppet theater — lightweight, modular, and designed for real ministry settings.
You don't need a stage to perform these scripts — a tablecloth stretched between two people works just fine. But when you're ready for something more permanent, this portable PVC theater is the answer. It travels in a bag, sets up in under 30 minutes, and works indoors or out.
The design is Carrie's own, refined over years of ministry use. Detailed specs and plans are coming — in the meantime, the photos and notes below give you everything you need to start building.
Step 01
The PVC frame
The frame is built from standard 3/4" PVC pipe and fittings — available at any hardware store. The main stage is a wide horizontal bar supported by two vertical uprights with feet. Side wings attach to the main frame and fold flat for transport. No glue needed: the joints press together and pull apart for easy pack-up.
Step 02
Adding the curtains
Curtains hang from the top bar using clip rings — the same rings used for shower curtains. The main stage curtain hides the puppeteers. A second, lighter fabric across the top of the playing opening softens the sight line and helps puppeteers know where to hold their puppets. Fabric from a thrift store works beautifully and keeps costs down.
Step 03
The side wings
Carrie's design includes modular side wings that attach to the main frame. These extend the stage width and give puppeteers more room to move — especially useful for plays with larger casts. The wings fold flat and travel with the main frame in a single bag.
Step 04
See it in action
Here's the theater set up for an outdoor performance in Redlands, California. The whole structure goes up in under 30 minutes with two people. It fits in a car trunk and sets up anywhere — a backyard, a church hall, a community center, or under a tent.
What you'll need
Materials list
- 3/4" PVC pipe (quantity depends on your stage width)
- PVC T-joints, elbow joints, and end caps
- PVC pipe cutter (no saw needed)
- Curtain clip rings
- Fabric — thrift store finds work great
- A bag or tube for transport
Detailed measurements and a cut list are coming soon. If you'd like to be notified when they're available, subscribe to updates below.
The theater in use during an outdoor performance — Redlands, CA.
The bare frame before curtains are attached — main stage and side wings.
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