PuppArts EMJM (N0215A310050)

Cíle studia ve studijním programu

The PuppArts study program was created by a consortium of three Central European theatre academies: The Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (“AMU“), The Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava (hereinafter: “VŠMU“) and The Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw (hereinafter: “AT“), which for decades have been preparing their students in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study programs for careers as actors, directors, dramaturgs, scenographers and technologists in puppet theatre. They draw on the long and deep tradition of puppet theatre in this geocultural space and, at the same time, on the courage of these schools to experiment with established procedures, forms, materials, puppet designs, aesthetics, and theatre operation models. This program is a response to the long-standing and repeated demand from foreign applicants interested in studying puppet theatre in English, which DAMU and other schools in the consortium have encountered. At DAMU, this is also happening in connection with the follow-up master's programme in English, Directing of Devised and Object Theatre at KALD, which does not satisfy those people who are more interested in puppet theatre. The need for such a programme is also demonstrated by the interest of foreign institutions, universities, and UNIMA world centres, which are approached by people from all over the world interested in studying Central European puppetry.

The aim of the PuppArts academic programme is to provide education of theatre artists on a global scale, to develop their talents, skills and abilities necessary to reach a professional level in the field of puppet theatre. Its structure is aimed at developing individual creativity and the realization of an artwork or artistic performance.

Contemporary puppet theatre is a specific kind of synthetic art, which is based on the traditions and contemporary trends of object theatre, figurative theatre, post-traditional puppet theatre, open stage forms and performative practices. The field requires professionally and generally trained creative artists - actors, directors, dramaturgs and set designers - for a wide range of performing and alternative productions and activities, including arts education and relationship-building activities.

The programme will provide graduates with a high level of artistic qualifications that can be applied not only in the field of puppetry and performing arts, but also in other related socio-cultural activities and professions.

At the same time, the PuppArts programme aims to strengthen the strategic role of Central European higher education in the field of puppetry as well as to exchange methodologies and educational approaches in the context of the broad expressive possibilities of contemporary puppetry, including the staging of new materials in the 21st century.

Profil absolventa studijního programu

A graduate of the PuppArts academic program is a qualified theatre artist/ puppeteer who has specific professional skills in craft and artistic production. During the course of study, each student's individual talents are encouraged and developed, and their competence is strengthened either towards acting, directing and dramaturgy or stage design or a combination of these. Graduates are able to work in a team. They use a wide range of acting techniques as puppeteers, actors and performers and are familiar with the possibilities of various puppetry techniques, object theatre, mask theatre and other unconventional means of artistic expression such as theatre of animated form. Graduates are ready to start independent artistic creation and are equipped with a wide range of humanities knowledge, especially knowledge in the field of culture, art and social communication. The graduate's profile consists of compulsory courses focused mainly on authorial creation, puppet animation techniques, puppet technology and other technological procedures used in puppet theatre. Students can individually specify their profiles during their studies by choosing compulsory elective courses that deepen the knowledge and skills in the field of directing and dramaturgy, stage design or acting.

Graduates’ expert knowledge:

The graduates have an extended knowledge of puppet theatre in its historical and cultural context and in the context of other artistic disciplines and are able to deepen this knowledge independently. They are familiar with the bibliography of the field, know the styles of puppet theatre (including the latest trends) and their most important representatives and have an excellent knowledge of the technology used in theatre (holistic approach). They demonstrate a deep understanding of the relationship between the practical and theoretical aspects of study and use this knowledge for further artistic development. They have a comprehensive knowledge necessary for original creation with a focus on the specifics of puppet theatre, while possessing a broad knowledge of expressive resources from related artistic disciplines. Graduates are familiar with the possibilities of various puppetry techniques, technology of materials used in puppet theatre, object theatre, mask theatre and other non-traditional artistic expressions applied in live art and have some degree of knowledge of the financial, marketing and legal aspects of running a theatre group.

Graduates’ professional skills

Graduates present themselves as highly developed artistic personalities capable of creative work, expressing own artistic concepts and possessing the skills necessary to implement them. They know the basics of scriptwriting, can work individually with text or other sources and the possibilities of their adaptation for theatre purposes. They are able to carry out independent, individual work such as gathering, analysing and interpreting information within a theatrical idea, formulating a critical argumentation, self-motivation and organizing of individual work. They are able to effectively use imagination, intuition, emotion, flexible and creative thinking and creative work to find solutions and can adapt to new circumstances. They possess a wide range of professional skills that enable the realization of their own artistic concepts. They are able to consciously use the chosen puppet theatre techniques and technologies in the realisation of a work of art. They know effective techniques for improving their own professional skills that enable immediate development through independent creative work. Through study they will gain the experience necessary to realize own artistic actions based on style different concepts. They have the basic organizational skills necessary for the realization of public performances. They are able to formulate (in oral and written form) ideas on themes related to the performing arts.

Social competences:

Graduates are ready to work in a team. They are able to listen to the collaborators and can use their comments to create a collaborative work, which is a theatrical production. They are able to be self-reflective, to control their own behaviour and to face problems arising from public presentations. They are capable of constructive criticism of other collaborators in the creative team. They are able to reflect the social, scientific and ethical aspects of their work. They will be able to transfer the knowledge to others interested in the field.

Pravidla a podmínky pro tvorbu studijních plánů

Curriculum/ study plan:

The programme will be taught in a joint Master’s programme mode at all three universities of the consortium, each of them providing only part of the overall, jointly developed curriculum/ study plan. The intention of this system of student mobility is to introduce students to the specificities of puppetry in different countries and to use as much as possible the strengths of each participating academic institution through the implementation of a jointly developed and interrelated curriculum/ study plan.

At all three academies, students will receive advanced knowledge and skills in various puppetry techniques. Especially in the first two semesters, they will acquire specific skills in puppet and object animation using classical and contemporary puppetry techniques and apply them in their final semester outputs. The third semester in Prague will be the starting point for the final graduate performance. In the fourth semester, students will be divided among the participating partner institutions where they will complete their graduate performance and simultaneously produce a written thesis under the guidance of an assigned mentor.

The curriculum/ study plan for the first three semesters is divided into several horizontal sections related to the individual components of a theatre work (directing-dramaturgical, acting, visual-technological and theoretical section).

The compulsory main courses and compulsory courses are designed to cover the knowledge, skills and competences contained in the graduate profile from all these sections. The compulsory courses will account for 70% of the total credits (83 ECTS).

The curriculum/ study plan includes three groups of compulsory elective courses that are not part of the profile basis. Each group is provided by a different partner school and its fulfilment is therefore only possible in one specific semester of study. The courses in all groups are assigned to one of the horizontal sections of the curriculum. Through the selection of compulsory elective courses, the student has the opportunity to further refine their individual focus and will thus acquire deeper and more detailed knowledge and skills in the selected sections. This means that the students can individually focus on developing acting, directing, dramaturgical or artistic knowledge and skills. Most of the compulsory electives are designed specifically for the PuppArts programme. Some of them are developed as multi-semester courses, that means that their content and objectives, as well as the learning outcomes of each semester, are designed by a group of pedagogues across the participating schools as a follow-up. A small number of compulsory elective courses are taken from other academic programmes taught in English and joint teaching is envisaged. We also foresee the possibility of cooperation with mobility students, who are already a natural part of the academic communities in all three schools.

Students must obtain at least 10 ECTS from each of the three groups of compulsory elective courses (30 ECTS in sum).

Students must complete their study plan by obtaining a minimum of 7 ECTS from elective courses, provided by particular partner universities.

Each semester will conclude with a creative output in the core course Theatre of Animated Form. The format will be modified depending on the phase of study. Starting in the first semester, students will be prepared to form 3 groups of three at the beginning of the third semester, in which they will then prepare a joint creative graduation project in the last semester.

In the first semester, which will start at VŠMU in Bratislava in Slovakia, students will receive introductory information about puppet theatre in general and detailed information about selected figurative puppet theatre techniques. They will receive more detailed training in the techniques and technologies of shadow theatre, glove puppets and marionettes. Students will be encouraged to apply the skills learned in new contemporary forms of puppet theatre. In Theatre of Animated Form - Laboratory 1, students must design and develop their own production concept for a final semester performance lasting approximately 5–8 minutes. In the case of a collaborative performance (2 - 3 students), the optimal length is 8 - 12 minutes. The course is taught by a team of 3 teachers: a puppetry teacher, a puppet directing teacher and a stage design and puppet technology teacher. In other courses, students will work under the guidance of theatre professionals in the field of figurative puppetry, improvised puppetry, object theatre and multimedia.

In the second semester, which will take place at AT in Poland, students will be introduced to other techniques and technologies, especially tabletop puppet, muppet and work with mask. Students will learn how to create theatre performances and how to work with a variety of stage techniques in the field of contemporary puppetry, object and material performances. They will engage with all phases of creating a performance project, including: the selection of themes; the building of conceptual and dramaturgical structures; the processing of material, sound, visual and spatial design; engaging with dramaturgical work with material; creating performance material through rehearsal; performing and working with performers; working with puppets and objects and working with audiences. Students will finish the semester with a format of small productions created in forming groups of three.

In the third semester, students at DAMU in the Czech Republic will work in the main course (Theatre of Animated Form 3) on the preparation of their graduation production in groups of three. The content of other compulsory and compulsory elective courses is adapted to this. They will thus have the opportunity to continue their personal profile (directing/dramaturgy, acting and stage design), also in relation to their specific role in the creative team. Some of the compulsory elective courses will conceptually build on previous semesters, while others will provide an extension of specific knowledge and skills according to the student's personal profile, especially in the form of block teaching. Students will conclude the semester with a presentation of their graduate performance in a work-in-progress format in the form that is most meaningful at that phase of its development for public presentation and for obtaining feedback that is essential for completing the project in the fourth semester.

Students will spend the fourth semester in one of the schools, divided into three equal groups. The division will take place at the end of the third semester, in consultation with the programme teachers and the students among themselves, in consideration of the nature of the upcoming creative graduation project and its most appropriate pedagogical guidance. The finalization and premiere of the creative graduation projects will then take place at this school, and the students will also prepare their final thesis (the supervisor of the thesis can be a teacher from another school and the consultation can take place online).

Student mobility is an integral part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes. It is a joint programme of three schools, in which students spend the first three semesters in three countries in succession and the last, graduation semester in one of the schools, depending on the focus of the graduation project.

There is an opportunity to participate in internal and international festivals organized by these schools (NADAMU, Proces Festival (DAMU), Puppet no Puppet (ATB), ISTROPOLITANA Project (VŠMU), etc.). The mutual provision of opportunities to present student productions at these festivals is a long-standing and established practice. Due to the fact that the Master’s Joint Programme PuppArts will be run in cooperation with these three schools, the opportunity to present the students' work at festivals organized by these schools is also guaranteed.

Obecné informace o přijímacím řízení

Requirements for applicants:

Applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in the Bologna system in arts and humanities. DAMU is responsible for the validation of the diploma of the first cycle (Bachelor's degree) in accordance with Czech law.

In addition, an adequate knowledge of English is required, at least at level B2 according to the SERR. The English knowledge shall be demonstrated during the second round of entrance examination. Native speakers are excluded from demonstrating English language knowledge.

The selection of applicants is based on a selection procedure. A standard component of the admissions process is an entrance talent exam. Applicants who did not pass the talent exam will not advance to the next round of examinations and a notification of non-admission to the PuppArts will be sent to the applicant.

Applicants with specific needs have the possibility to request modifications to the admission procedure through the procedures established at DAMU.

Application procedure:

The admission entrance exams consist of two rounds. The first round takes place in the form of the selection according to the annexes attached to the application. The Admission Board will assess the talent prerequisites for study based on the submitted portfolio, the educational level of the candidate, his intellectual background, the width of his interests, awareness in the field of theatre, literature, music, fine art, or other arts, and his motivation. The second round consists of several parts, including a personal online interview and the demonstration of specified tasks. The exact schedule of the online interviews will be published on PuppArts website at least one week prior to the date of the second round.

The selection committee is composed of at least three members, with representation from all three schools of the consortium.

Application:

Applicants should submit their application electronically only at https://prihlaska.amu.cz/apps/kos/prihlaska/.

Annexes to the application form:

• motivation letter
• CV
• a completion of an artistic assignment specified in the admissions announcement
• copy of educational certificate
• portfolio or documentation of artistic work
• 1 letter of recommendation by respected authority in field of puppet theatre or other art field

In addition, applicants send by mail the original or the notarized copy of the document of education level, medical certificate proving the ability to study, and a copy of passport or ID card.

1st round:

The Admission Board will review and evaluate the submitted documents and award them with appropriate score:

• motivation letter – maximum 20 points
• CV – maximum 10 points
• artistic assignment – maximum 25 points
• portfolio or documentation of artistic work – maximum 40 points
• a letter of recommendation by respected authority in field of puppet theatre or other art field – maximum 5 points

The Admission Board selects applicants based on their academic and artistic excellence and motivation.

The total score in the 1st round is 100 points. Applicants who will not reach 70 points will not advance to the 2nd round and will be delivered a decision of non-admission. Maximum of 20 applicants with highest score from 1st round will be invited for the 2nd round.

Applicants selected for the 2nd round will receive an e-mail invitation with the assignment for the 2ns round (Task 1 and 2).

2nd round:

Task 1 - creative assignment based on the given parameters/theme - maximum 30 points

Task 2 - test of general cultural understanding and preferences - maximum 10 points

Task 3 - online interview with the applicant, during which the Admission Board may set the applicant additional short tasks - maximum 60 points.

The total score in the 2nd round is 100 points. Applicants who will not reach 70 points in the 2nd round will be delivered a decision of non-admission.

Applicants who will reach at least 140 points from 1st and 2nd round, can be accepted for the studies, according to score. Applicants who satisfy the admission criteria will be notified of the decision and provided with all other relevant documents.

The maximum number of applicants admitted to study is 9.

Evaluation:

Candidates are registered under the number under which they take the entrance exam and under which the exam results will be published. The Admission Board will compile a record of the exam, which will be signed by all its members.

The results of the admission procedure are entered into the AMU Academic Information System (KOS).

Návaznost na další typy studijních programů

Graduates of SP PuppArts can continue their studies at the third, doctoral level in English-language doctoral programmes at European theatre schools whose artistic research is oriented towards the performing arts, including (e.g.) University Utrecht (NL), UniArts Helsinki (FI), Oslo National Academy of the Arts (NO) etc.

Součásti státní závěrečné zkoušky a jejich obsah

The PuppArts State Final Examination will be held in the second half of June in the second academic year of study at one of the partner universities for all students in the year. The Final Examination Committee will be composed of academics from all partner universities. The venue for the regular state final examination will change annually.

The State Final Examination on the retake date will be held in the first half of September in the second academic year of study in Prague.

Final Exam consists of two parts:

1. Defence of the graduate performance

A creative graduate project in the PuppArts programme involves the preparation, creation, realisation and public presentation of a theatre production or project before a committee/audience.

The creative graduation project is a sustainable small-scale puppet theatre production that students will be able to continue to perform (in their own production) after graduation.

The graduation project will also include a written dossier containing the complete content, documentation, visuals, technical details, communication materials, and production information about the project in English and possibly other languages, primarily to support its future performance.

Premiere date: not later than by the end of April at premises of partner university where students participating at the project spend their last semester

Cast: three students of the programme and potentially students of other programmes at a particular partner university, where the project is premiered

Length: min. 30 minutes

Defence: All graduate performances of one run of students will be presented at the occasion of Final Exams in the premises of one of the partner universities, followed by the defence in the second half of June of the second academic year of the programme.

1. Defence of the thesis

Date of submitting the thesis: June 1

Date of defence of the thesis: second half of June (retake: end of August)

Students write their thesis during the fourth semester of their studies at one of the partner universities. The completion of the thesis is awarded by 15 ECTS in the fourth semester, granted by the date of submitting the thesis. The thesis shall be minimum 20 pages long. Students can choose their supervisor from any of the partner universities. If the supervisor is a faculty member of another partner university than the one where the students are spending their last semester of the studies, the consulting of the thesis will be held online.

In the final qualification thesis, students will elaborate the problem defined and formulated, describe the chosen hypothesis and the way it was verified. They will carry out an appropriate research of secondary sources and literature. The thesis will include a written reflection of the creative graduation project, through which the students conduct artistic research, i.e. process the defined problem and verify the chosen hypothesis.

The defence of the theses will also include an extended discussion with theoretical and historical disciplinary overlap.

Další studijní povinnosti

Teaching in the third semester of the programme, which will take place at DAMU, will be organized as a combination of weekly or biweekly seminars and larger or smaller blocks. Regular classes will include mainly historical and theoretical courses, languages, consultations on creative projects, dramaturgical seminars, etc. Blocks ranging from one day to one week will be scheduled for courses focused on professional skills, creative activities, etc.

The programme will be taught partly in the existing DAMU spaces, with regular theoretical and historical classes and classes requiring specific (workshop) equipment taking place in the KALD (Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre) spaces. Block teaching will take place in external spaces rented for this purpose (e.g. UVS Beroun, and UVS Poněšice, Eliška Pešková House, Eliadova Library, Archa+ Theatre Rehearsal Room, Unitaria). The rent will be financed from the PuppArts programme budget.

The academic programme partially overlaps with three academic programmes currently taught in English at the Theatre Faculty of AMU: Directing of Devised and Object Theatre (Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre), Authorial Acting (Department of Authorial Creativity and Pedagogy), and Scenography (Department of Scenography). We take advantage of this fact to offer free capacity in some compulsory elective courses from the PuppArts study plan to these programmes (and also to exchange students), and conversely, we offer free capacity in some of their elective or compulsory elective courses in the study plan to PuppArts students.

Charakteristika odborné praxe

Předpokládaná uplatnitelnost absolventů (typické pracovní pozice)

Graduates will find positions in professional and independent puppet theatres and groups, in studio and agency theatres, in television studios, as lecturers of theatre workshops, theatre projects, as performing artists, lecturers at all levels of the education system or leisure activities, curators and other workers in the cultural sector and in the field of leisure art activities. Graduates can also pursue an academic career and work as researchers at a higher education art institution, or as an organizational and conceptual workers in sectoral, umbrella and networking institutions for puppet theatre and puppet festivals.