Home(made) Theatre

All the world’s a stage. But, when our corner of the global theatre is covered in slush and ice, it can be challenging for our micro-thespians to express their dramatic side (in a constructive way, that is).

Being housebound in the winter is a challenge for us all, which is why we’re so excited to have stumbled through the door of Open Door Designs.

So what is it? Open Door Designs is the creation of Joanne Bigham, who learned how to delight and dazzle children as the ‘elephant keeper’ for Sharon, Lois and Bram. When a friend called on her skills as a set designer and puppeteer to design a transportable puppet theatre for libraries and schools, Joanne came up with a solution so simple and creative, a new business was born.

Joanne creates her puppet theatres out of simple doorway-sized fabric panels with a small, inset, drapery-covered window for the stage. (Bet you wish you thought of that idea.) The whole unit is held in place by a simple tension rod and is adjustable to any height. It can be set up quickly and easily in any doorway to create a fast, but fancy home puppet theatre.

But Joanne didn’t stop there. She also stocked Open Door Designs with every kind of puppet imaginable, so you can make any childhood fantasy come to life. Her puppets are specifically designed for smaller hands and are machine washable (always a bonus).

You’ll be amazed at how much time can be spent working on a script, casting characters, colouring tickets and programmes, and staging dress rehearsals. Crafty moms can make a whole day of fun out of producing a puppet show.

And that’s the way to ‘play’ on your next snow day.

Good to know: If you are in Toronto, Open Door Designs will rent their puppet theatres for a smaller daily fee for special events, birthday parties or boring weekends stuck indoors.

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