Nah, here's your scenario:
1) No money
2) Well-worn puppets
3) No "real" stage
First, get rid of the giant refrigerator box stage(s). All you need is a good Washing Machine Box. It needs to be in full form (not crushed or broken down or cut apart). At the back of the box where the cardboard is seamed together, either pry apart (carefully) that seam or use a box cutter to cut down that corner of the box--NEATLY and STRAIGHT.
Get you some maroon and gold spray paint, then paint the most of the box maroon and then line it in gold. Some fake foliage (vines or other greenery) to hang over the edge of the stage isn't a bad idea, and gives you a center-stage in between the fake foliage.
There's your stage. Keep the flaps of the box on the bottom for 2 reasons: padding your knees and to help the stage stand up--plus, you're holding the stage up, too.
Old puppets? Clean them up, correct the damages, or just use them anyways. You can create sketches about the "Toys That Were" or something. Make USE of the old puppets you have.
No money? Borrow a few bucks from your parents to get the spray paint, then go do a few little birthday parties for a few bucks (starting out) like $20 or $30 for 30 minute shows.
There you are!
For pictures of the washing machine box stage, see the photos at
www.midsouthcartoonists.com under the Photos button, then go into the album which reads "Ronald McDonald House" and scan down to the pic which reads "Muley Time."
Also,
www.picturetrail.com/muleythemule under album "Muley's Friends" and scan down to Deanna and Matts Wedding (4 pics down the list).