Marionette Carving Intensive 2027: 18 days in Prague
June 12 - 29: Design, carve, and bring your wooden marionette to life during the Prague Quadrennial
About the Workshop
Join a small international group of artists for an intensive, hands-on workshop that's been part of the rich Czech puppetry world for over 25 years. Working with a team of 9 specialist puppet artists, you will create an original marionette from your own design. They will guide you through every stage of the process, helping you develop both practical skills and your own creative approach. Take home a finished, personally carved marionette — and the knowledge and skills to make more. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - Puppet design and technical drawing - Traditional Czech woodcarving techniques - Marionette construction and stringing - Painting + puppet costuming - Basic manipulation - Czech puppetry traditions and history A SPECIAL YEAR TO BE IN PRAGUE June 2027 offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience two major events in the world of theatre and puppetry. Prague Quadrennial (PQ) — Be in Prague during the world's largest international event dedicated to scenography and performance design, held only once every four years. International Mateřinka Puppet Festival — Travel North Bohemia and see outstanding puppetry at a festival hosted by the acclaimed Naive Puppet Theatre. Throughout the workshop, you will also discover Prague's vibrant puppetry scene through theatre performances, exhibitions, and visits to puppet studios. WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS - 13 hands-on studio days creating your own marionette - 9 specialist Czech puppet artists sharing their knowledge and experience - Maximum 11 students - 2 days experiencing Czech puppet festivals - 3 free days to explore Prague - Puppet performances, exhibitions, studio visits WORKSHOP FEE— €1,600 EARLY BIRD — €1,500 IF YOU APPLY BY JANUARY 15 The fee includes professional instruction, all materials needed to complete your marionette, and tickets to scheduled puppet performances and museums. A 50% deposit is required upon acceptance to the workshop to secure your spot. Maximum participants: 11 ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS Students usually stay in apartments near the workshop and we can help you find a suitable place. A small kitchen is available at the workshop for preparing meals, and there are many affordable Czech restaurants nearby. Accommodation and meals are not included in the workshop fee. CANCELLATION POLICY The deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel more than one month before the workshop begins, you may transfer your deposit to another Puppets in Prague workshop, subject to a €200 transfer fee.
