Puppet Perfection: Design, Carve Marionettes
Join Mirek Trejtnar, author of Puppet Technology, in this comprehensive 8-month course that draws from the rich tradition of Czech marionettes. Learn to design and carve marionettes with exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality joints and controllers. Get step-by-step guidance with over 13 hours of professional videos, live consultations, and access to a supportive community of passionate puppeteers. Enhance your skills and bring your marionette creations to life!
See our teaser!
What will you learn?
This course will give you a deep understanding of the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating professional quality wooden marionettes. You will learn with professional videos coupled with LIVE consultations with Mirek Trejtnar.
Consider essential dramaturgical questions as you design your puppet. Master the principles of constructing joints that work perfectly. Develop carving techniques by modelling your carving on experienced artisans. Get inspired by the rich heritage of Czech puppetry as you develop your skills.
Try the first design chapter for free!
Who will be teaching?
Mirek Trejtnar is a Czech puppet master, woodcarver, toy-maker, sculptor. He has 40 years of carving experience, and his puppets are known for their precision and craftsmanship. In 2024, he published Puppet Technology: Wire and String Marionettes. He has taught thousands of students since 1990, both in person and online.
Mirek has an MFA in puppet design from the prestigious Prague Theatre Academy.
How is it taught?
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Eight months of Asynchronous Instruction
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13+ hours of recorded videos in 24 episodes
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Instruction laid out in 7 chapters: Tools, Design, Technical Drawing, Cutting blocks, Constructing Joints, Carving, Assembly, Stringing
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Assignments with Downloadable Instructions
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LIVE monthly consultations with Mirek
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Community share: discussion forum and meetups
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Access to the videos for 6 months after the course
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Free access to Puppet Recipes, monthly online workshops
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Articles about Czech puppet history + trends
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Certificate of completion when marionette finished
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Bonus sessions on puppet costume and painting
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Follow-up course on manipulation and making a show
NEXT COURSE STARTS ON FEBRUARY 2025
Join us!
There will be 2 courses in 2025:
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Starting February 1
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Starting October 1
If you know you want to join, sign up below!
Try the first video for free!
Register here and we will send you the first video about design and answer any questions.
NEXT COURSE STARTS ON FEBRUARY 2025
Brief schedule:
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First Sunday of every month: (LIVE) Mirek in the Studio
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Upon enrolment: Introduction: Materials and tools
Feb 1st: Chapters 1+2: Design + Technical Drawing (Videos 1-3 released)
Mar 1st: Chapter 3: Cutting blocks (Videos 4-8 released)
Apr 1st: Chapters 3: Creating Joints (Videos 9-10 released)
May 1st: Chapter 5: Carving, Part 1 (Videos 11-14 released)
June 1st: Chapter 5: Carving, Part 2 (Videos 15-17 released)
Jul 1st: Chapter 6 Assembly (Videos 18-20 released)
August 1st: Chapter 7: Stringing (Videos 21-24 released)
September 1st: Bonus session, Costume + Painting
What do you need?
Upon enrollment, you will get a video about tools and materials.
Tools
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Basic tools for woodwork, hand drill
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A set of 5 chisels
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Work is faster and easier with machinery (drill press, bandsaw , lathe) but the marionettes can be finished with basic tools
Wood
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Blocks of wood good for carving: linden basswood, etc
Puppet kit from PIP
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You can order pre-cut wood if you have a hard time accessing wood or cutting blocks - see the different options in our Puppet Shop
Additional Guidance:
Puppet Technology
A book by Mirek Trejtnar about Czech Wire and String Marionettes
You can follow along with our book, published in 2024. The class follows its structure, with each chapter in the book corresponding to the videos. The book includes 700+ hand drawn diagrams that to help readers make a marionette with perfect technology. Many of them are integrated into the videos and will be included in the assignments.
Sign up!
GET A €50 DISCOUNT IF YOU SIGN UP BY JANUARY 6!
USE THE CODE: MASTERINGMARIONETTE
