MASTERING THE MARIONETTE
Create a professional-quality marionette with Czech puppet expert Mirek Trejtnar
Join Mirek Trejtnar, author of Puppet Technology, in this course that draws from the centuries-old tradition of Czech marionettes. You will learn to design and carve marionettes with exceptional craftsmanship and gain an understanding of essential storytelling considerations. On the journey, you will get inspired by the rich heritage of Czech puppetry and access to a supportive community of passionate puppeteers. And at the end, you will understand how to make a marionette for the theatre, not just to decorate a wall.
See our Teaser
8
months
25
videos
16+
consultations
About the Course
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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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Bonus sessions on puppet costume and painting
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Follow-up course on manipulation and making a show
Plus
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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
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
NEXT COURSE STARTS ON FEBRUARY 2025
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.
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
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
Our Students' Work
Susie Boeselt
Graphic Designer
Mirek's guidance and tuition has provided the skills to develop my own style of carving and puppetry. PiP has a unique connection to its creative community, and is anchored to the Czech tradition. And finally, I like how Mirek teaches, his humour and compassion.
Rachel Healy
Professor of Costume Design
The consultation portion was paramount to success. Getting individual feedback on how to improve my puppet really helped- with a glance Mirek could advise the best solution to a carving problem I'd tied my brain in a knot over.
Mary Plaster
Puppeteer
I appreciate how accommodating and encouraging Mirek is. He is quite unique as a teacher.