Théâtre à l'Envers offers introductory shadow puppetry workshops, either in a short format (one session between 1.5 and 2.5 hours) or a longer format (several sessions over 2 to 3 days). The aim is to introduce elementary school students to the stages of creating a performance using shadows as a medium of theatrical expression. The activities allow participants to develop their imagination and fine motor skills in visual arts, while also fostering teamwork and oral and written expression.

Short version : A session includes an introduction to shadow puppetry on a large screen through exploratory games with an overhead projector. Then, working in small teams, the students choose a narrator, puppeteers, and an operator of transparencies using the overhead projector. They are then invited to create a show behind a small screen by inventing a story based on the silhouettes provided by the artists and drawing the scenery on transparencies. The result of their work is then presented to the entire class.

Extended version : During the first session, the artists demystify shadow puppetry through exploratory games, then guide the students to become familiar with and participate in the various stages of creating a show. Through a brainstorming session, and based on a theme suggested by the facilitators, the participants first create a bank of characters, physical characteristics, locations, and actions. Then, using the responses written on the board, the students work in teams to complete a script based on an incomplete and fragmented narrative provided by the artists. During the second session, the students work in teams to draw a scene diagram (working model). They will learn to recognize the different components of a story and integrate them into the creation of their final script: initial situation, subject or hero, inciting incident or mission, helper(s), antagonist(s), plot twists, resolution, conclusion… They will then begin making cardboard cutouts and drawing scenery on acetate sheets. The third meeting allows participants to finish making their cardboard silhouettes and the sets drawn on acetate. They then begin rehearsing their script in front of a small screen and with an overhead projector. Finally, they are invited to present the result of their work, a shadow puppet show, to the class.