12-27-2025, 02:31 AM
I'm trying to build a custom, collapsible puppet theater for a children's library program that can be easily transported in a small hatchback and set up by one person in under ten minutes. My budget is only about $120, and I plan to use lightweight PVC pipe for the frame and a durable but foldable fabric backdrop, but I'm stuck on the joint design. The structure needs to be sturdy enough to withstand enthusiastic use by kids, yet the connections must allow for quick assembly and breakdown without requiring tools or leaving small parts that could get lost. I have basic sewing skills and a hand saw, but I'm not sure how to create secure yet simple hinges or a reliable tension system to keep the fabric screen taut without it sagging or blowing over in an outdoor courtyard setting.