Marionette Carving + Performance

About the Workshop

This workshop teaches you to CARVING a TRADITIONAL CZECH WIRE MARIONETTE. We will also create a show that we will perform at one of the most popular outdoor Prague Summer festivals. The first part of the workshop lasts 15 days (including 3 days off): you go through the whole process of making the wire marionette, learning design, technical drawings, woodcarving, painting, assembly, costume, controller, stringing. In the second part you work with a professional puppeteer, rehearsing an original show and then performing for 2 days at the Letni Letna New Circus and Theatre Festival. During this second half, you learn how to manipulate their marionette and the principles of creating an original show for children. You also get the chance to see many other professional children's theatre performances at the festival. DAILY SCHEDULE The daily schedule is intensive: students work from 9,30 - 5 p.m. with interactive lectures and practical work. WHO IS THE COURSE DESIGNED FOR? We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds: visual artists, who want the chance to also perform, performers who want the chance to create a puppet, students, teachers, woodcarvers or simply amateurs with a love of puppetry.... There will be maximum 10 students. WORKSHOP FEE The price of the workshop is 1,400 Euros. Price includes all materials, tickets to performances, exhibitions, and local public transportation pass. To confirm place in the workshop, applicants must send a deposit (details will be sent upon acceptance). CANCELLATION POLICY The payment is nonrefundable but can be transferred to another workshop depending on the circumstances. There will be a 200 Euro cancellation fee. ACCOMMODATIONS/FOOD Accommodations with shared bathroom facilities can be arranged for participants in Pension Jana, a comfortable, clean hostel located in a residential area a five minute walk from the workshop. The price is about 550 Czech crowns (approx. 22 Euro) for a double room, 900 Czech crowns (approx. 35 Euro) for a single room (includes breakfast). For more information, go to the Pension Jana web site: ww.dhotels.cz. If participants prefer other accommodation, we can provide more information about private apartments that our students have used in the past. Participants can cook meals in a small kitchen in the workshop or eat in local Czech restaurants (approx. 8-10 Euro for lunch).