Puppet Perfection: Design, Carve Marionettes
Join Mirek Trejtnar, author of Puppet Technology, in this comprehensive 6-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 is perfect for you if you want a deep understanding of the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating professional quality wooden marionettes.
Learn to 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 marionette-making skills.
Who will be teaching?
Mirek Trejtnar is a renowned Czech puppet master, woodcarver, toy-maker, sculptor, and the founder and director of Puppets in Prague. With 40 years of experience carving, he has made hundreds of puppets known for their precision and craftsmanship. He has taught thousands of students since 1990, both in person and online. In 2024, he published Puppet Technology: Wire and String Marionettes, a book that compiles his extensive expertise. He has an MFA in puppet design from the prestigious Prague Theatre Academy, and has spent years researching traditional puppet technology. His dedication to tradition and his own creative designs makes him an inspiring mentor for students of all levels.
How is it taught?
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Recorded videos and assignments guide you through the whole process
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The course is divided into 4 blocks: Design+Technical Drawing, All About Joints, Carving, Assembly+Stringing
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Each block lasts 1-2 months
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Videos will be released over 6 months with an additional 2 months to finish
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Access to the videos for an additional 6 months
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Personal feedback on your assignments by Mirek Trejtnar
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A community of students will go through the course together and can discuss and share progress
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Monthly live consultations on Zoom with Mirek
NEXT COURSE STARTS ON FEBRUARY 2025
The course includes:
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13+ hours of professionally recorded video in 24 episodes
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Downloadable instructions with detailed, hand-drawn diagrams
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12 articles about Czech puppetry and inspiring puppet artists
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Regular Zoom consultations
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Individual feedback to assignments
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Free access to our Puppet Recipes, our monthly online workshops on puppet topics
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Certificate of completion
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