Toy theater

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Toy theater, also called paper theater and model theater, dates back to the early 1800s in Europe, and had a surge of popularity during the late 1800s to early 1900s. Mass produced toy theaters are usually sold as printed sheets, either in black & white to be colored as desired, or as full-color images of the proscenium, scenery, sets, props and characters. The sheets are pasted onto thin cardboard, cut out, and then assembled for the purposes of the reenacting of a play. Figures are attached to small sticks, wires, or configurations of strings that allow them to move about the set. Some toy theaters and figures are enhanced with moving parts and special effects, and it is common for performances to include live or pre-recorded sound effects and music.