IN PERSON WORKSHOPS
Enter the world of Czech puppetry
Join us this summer for an immersive experience in the world of Czech puppetry. Our in-person workshops are designed for all skill levels. You’ll gain hands-on experience in marionette design and construction, learning traditional carving techniques and the artistry behind creating marionettes. At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a beautiful marionette and the skills to make more in the future.
What to Expect
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Expert Instruction: Work closely with Mirek Trejtnar, author of Puppet Technology and our team of 10+ skilled craftspeople, puppeteers, and puppet experts
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Hands-On Creation: From design to completion, make your own unique marionette
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Cultural Immersion: Visit puppet festivals and exhibits and see local and international performances in a country where puppetry is part of the cultural identity
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Performance Opportunities: Develop your marionette and performance skills at Prague’s iconic Letní Letná New Circus and Theatre Festival
2026 Summer Workshops
JUNE MARIONETTE CARVING WORKSHOP (2 WEEKS)
Make a traditional marionette on either wire or strings, learning foundational techniques in Czech marionette-making. This two-week workshop delves into classic character design, focusing on the elegance and mechanics of traditional marionettes.
During this workshop, you will...
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Get individualized guidance and expert lectures on each topic
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Develop your skills with 10+ expert puppet teachers
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Learn the technology of different types of marionettes and how to carve, build joints, controllers
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Learn the principles of manipulating your marionette
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Immerse yourself in the rich Czech puppet world by going to shows,festivals, exhibitions
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Make puppet friends from around the world
Carving Workshop, June 5 - 20, 2026
June 21 - 23, 2026, 1-day or 3-day festival experience
AUGUST CIRCUS MARIONETTE WORKSHOP (3 WEEKS)
Carve a marionette and perform at Prague's most popular summer festivals
Join us in August and create circus-themed marionettes—trapeze artists, dancers, and classic “stomper” marionettes! This workshop culminates in performances at Letní Letná, a renowned festival celebrating new circus and theatre in Prague, plus go on tour to the stunning Baroque Theatre Festival Kuks in Eastern Bohemia.
During this workshop, you will...
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Get individualized guidance and expert lectures
-
Develop your skills with 10+ expert puppet teachers
-
Learn the technology of different types of marionettes and how to carve, build joints, controllers
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Learn the centuries-old techniques to make specialized circus marionettes that amaze audiences with their tricks
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Master the manipulation of your marionette
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Create an original puppet show and be part of the Letni Letna New Circus and Theatre Festival
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Go on tour to the Baroque Theatre Festival Kuks
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Make puppet friends from around the world
August 1- 23, 2026, Carving and Performance Workshop
Meet our team
At Puppets in Prague workshops, you will work with over 10 puppet experts, meeting specialists during every stage of your work: design, carving, painting, costuming, and manipulating and performing. All of our teachers have extensive experience, skills and talent.
Mirek Trejnar
Director
Zdar Šorm
Design, Carving
Ondřej Mašek
Carving
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Sota Sakuma
Carving
Robert Patolan
Carving
Jakub Šulík
Carving
Dana Brucklerová
Costume design
Marcela Krcalová
Costume design
Šarka Ziková
Painting
Peter Varga
Manipulation + Performing
Zuzana Bruknerová
Manipulation + Performing
Tomáš Běhal
Manipulation + Performing
Dora Bouzková
Manipulation + Performing
Johana Tretjnar
Carving, Painting
Alexandra Švolíková
Painting
Testimonials
"The time I spent in Prague played such a big part in setting me off on the artistic career I have today"
Sam J. Gold, Theatre Artist
USA
Leah and Mirek are the real deal. Their workshops both online and in person are so detailed, so informative, and so personalized to what you and your puppet need.
Christine Rodriguez
Puppeteer + Arts Educator/Actor, New York
Videos
Past In Person Workshops
Past In Person Workshops
Circus Kvak: Show at Letní letná 2025 Festival
Circus Marionette Workshop at Letní letná 2025
Long, Wide and Sharpsighted: Czech Fairy Tale
