I've been using a stage like this for the last three years

It takes about 15/20 minutes to put together.

I'm looking for a faster alternative. Has anyone got any suggestions? It must be very hard wearing as it is erected/dismantled two/three times a day.

Hope you can help! 

Puppadorach

15 - 20 mins really is not too bad in the realm of things. Not sure that you are going to find anything faster.  I do have one idea but I don't have any drawings or plans for it so I'll have to try and describe it the best I can.

You build square frames out of something like 1x2 wood. The frames are constructed much like you would an artist would for a frame that they are going to stretch canvas over.  You would then hinge these frames together with both normal hinges and loose pin hinges so that they can be set up in much the same way that your pipes are set up. You can then put velcro on the surface of the frames to apply fabric to.  I'll try to work up some drawings to explain this if I can.

Ok it was an epic fail and doing drawings for this.  I recently had to replace my computer and lost all my old programs I am used to using.

I did find an example on the internet that explains this type of stage set up though! http://greysealpuppets.com/foambookcommunity/index.php?topic=46.0  Greyseal Puppets uses this type of stage. They use it a bit diffrent then how you want to use it but you can configure these in the same way as your curtained stage is. You would simply build another group of these that would be half the height and put them with them turning the whole thing around to the audience. I hope that makes sense. 

When we used these, we did not cover them in the black fabric that you see in Greyseals examples but left the frames open. I am sure that Greyseal did this to block out light once the "pretty" dress fabric went over this.  We always simply used a heavy enough fabric to block light or two layers in our fabric if the front final fabric was see through.

I'll see if I can find more examples of this set up on the web.

Ok I found another version of this that is more like what your current set up is. Read about it here: http://swazzle.com/blogs/labels/Puppets.html#7818594316587484501  There are a couple other articles on that page about their different stages they have made.

Also our own Namomi has a how to on building a shadow puppet frame. This explains how the actual frames are made kind of.  Although you would be making yours larger.  I was only able to find this article on her old site so not sure how long this link will last. http://www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/faq.php/2008/11/17/how-to-make-a-shadow-puppet-screen 

There is a stage on ebay that sets up like a convention display.  Not as sturdy as your current stage.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROFESSIONAL-PORTABLE-TRAVEL-PUPPETS-STAGE-FREE-PUPPET-/260749002114?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb5da0582

You can use an aluminum stage, such as the one sold by One Way Street. You can make your own, it is basically stands (like the ones used for photography backdrops), and crossbars.  Not sure it sets up a lot faster.

We too use a PVC stage. Ours goes together in less than 10 minutes (with 2 or more people putting it together).

Thanks everyone. That one on eBay looks like it may the one. Bit worried about the sturdiness of it. Will check it out.

Another idea. There is a PVC stage that is in sections, with the curtains attached. It folds flat.  Puppet Productions use to sell one like this.  I used one and it was fairly sturdy.

There is a close copy at
http://www.puppets-etc.com/stage.htm

I have the plans to make one of these. Looks pretty simple.

Regarding the stage on e-bay, my friend bought that stage and the clips broke right away, and there was no way to replace them.  She wasn't very happy with it obviously.  Just FYI.  I just re-worked our pvc stage and it takes less than 5 min to set up. It is similar to the one MsPuppet links to.  I could try to take a picture of it soon if you'd like.

Also our own Namomi has a how to on building a shadow puppet frame. This explains how the actual frames are made kind of.  Although you would be making yours larger.  I was only able to find this article on her old site so not sure how long this link will last. http://www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/faq.php/2008/11/17/how-to-make-a-shadow-puppet-screen  

Or even 'Naomi'

The link will last forever. Fortunately the blog program I use on my site allows me to redirect posts. As I migrate each one, old links automatically redirect you to the new ones. Although, since Puppets in Melbourne will always be about shadow puppets, there will still be an article about making screens; it will be found on the site one way or another.

Incidentally, the idea you had of using hinged frames with fabric attached is pretty much how Richard Bradshaw has his shadow puppet screen set up. The screen comes with several black fabric-covered frames, which hinge together from behind. As far as I can recall, it creates a sort of l_l shape (three 'walls' at right angles) with little or no bracing. It looked sturdy enough, although I really can't recall what made it so. You can see some of the structure here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66356835@N00/2396424360/in/set-72157600170744626

My article above is more of an experiment for a table-top screen, and used a frame made of pine - I suspect Bradshaw uses something else which is lighter.

Sorry about the misspell on your name Na!  You know I kept looking at that when I posted and thought it looked wrong but just could not see it! Pretty obvious now.