Richmond’s Gateway Theatre is bringing theatre magic to your homes with the limited-edition Hallows’ Eve paper theatre kits. On sale today at noon, Gateway Theatre is offering everyone from art and craft-enthusiasts to theatre-lovers and story-tellers of all ages a miniature 3-D theatre and a play that they can stage in the comfort and safety of their own home.
Join in the 19th century theatre tradition by purchasing your own paper theatre. Illustrated by local interdisciplinary artist Keely O’Brien, each beautiful paper theatre kit features a ready to assemble theatre with whimsical paper characters and enchanting set pieces. To inspire creativity and storytelling, the paper theatre also comes with a fun Halloween-themed play, Hallows’ Eve, written by Jasmine Chen, Gateway’s Artistic & Community Producer.
“While we’re waiting to return to our beloved theatre venues and artistic spaces, I wanted to capture the feeling of escaping into another world, which is my favourite part of experiencing theatre,” says Chen. “Although digital performances are exciting, we wanted to turn the focus back on the infinite possibilities of one’s own creativity.”
Each kit includes artwork printed on cardstock, the script for the play, and assembly instructions in English and Chinese. A special “how-to” video will be posted to gatewaytheatre.com – all that’s required to create your theatre is scissors and glue.
Gateway is encourages people to share their at-home paper theatre experience by posting photos and videos on social media using #MyGTPaperTheatreKit.
“I hope everyone who orders Hallows’ Eve will find as much delight in assembling and playing with the theatre as I did in making it, and that you will let your own imagination and creativity shine as you build and activate this enchanted little world,” says co-creator O’Brien.
Hallows’ Eve paper theatre kit are on sale now, for $45 + tax, including shipping in Canada. Order by October 26, 2020, to receive it in time for Halloween. For more information and to order, visit: gatewaytheatre.com/paper-theatre