How to Prepare:

1. Tie the clothesline to each pole or tree. Make sure the string is taut and won't collapse with the added weight of the sheet.
2. Fold a side of the sheet over the clothesline and use clothespins to secure the sheet. Attach clothespins every 10 to 12 inches along the length of the sheet.
3. Leave enough of the sheet dragging so that some of it falls to the ground. Place weighted objects on this dragging sheet material, securing it in place. This will keep the sheet from flying away and it will make the surface smooth.
4. If you're doing this inside, leave enough space behind the sheet so there's room for the light source and the actors to move around.

How to Play:

1. Once the stage is set, organize your actors. Assign all actors a number, ranging from 1 to 3. Have all your "ones" sit together and give them one of the prompts below. Do the same for your "twos" and "threes." Give party guests who prefer to work alone the opportunity to act out an animal or something of their own creation. (Note: Most of the suggested prompts require at least two actors working together.)
2. Provide your actors with these or other performance prompts:
   • Water a tree and watch it grow
   • Chop down a tree.
   • Make a creature with four arms.
   • Show your head rolling away.
   • Pretend to be an animal.
   • Act out a fairy tale.
   Note: For a demonstration of these prompts, check out the Shadow Tricks video from the television show.
3. Tell the actors that they can use any of the props, e.g., ball, watering can or chair, in their performance.
4. Remind actors to stand between the light source and the sheet.
5. Encourage the audience/guests to applaud for the performers.
6. Have children take turns trying out these prompts.

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Curious George is a production of Imagine, WGBH and Universal. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. Television Series: ©2013. Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. The PBS KIDS logo is a registered mark of PBS and is used with permission. Proud sponsors of Curious George® on PBS KIDS® are Stride Rite Children's Group, LLC., and ABCmouse.com. 
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