MA MA Puppetry

Applicants will normally demonstrate the following: 

• A commitment and motivation for studying puppetry. 
• Academic qualifications, professional experience or an equivalent level of understanding of contemporary performance, theatre and production and its context, or of puppetry in TV and film. 
• Evidence of an interest in puppetry though design practice or performance or other, directly related activities 
• Be able to articulate through writing and if appropriate, illustrate a potential, considered, puppetry project idea that is feasible and achievable. 
• An ability to work imaginatively and creatively with 2D and 3D visual media, materials and processes, movement and performance. 
• A desire to learn and an ability to investigate ideas critically and independently. 
• Evidence of critical awareness and self-direction, openness and the ability to learn. 
• Potential for creative problem solving appropriate to puppetry. 

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Unit 1: Elements of puppetry 

This unit will explore the art of puppetry in relation to 3 key relationships of performance making: audiences, aesthetics and forms.

You'll investigate these through practical projects and performances. Seminars, lectures and workshops will focus on the key roles that are central to crafting puppet performance. You will develop a deeper understanding of the 3 specialist areas within the profession: dramaturgy, designing and fabricating, and performance.

You will learn how to document, critique and demonstrate your research and methodologies. You will be shown how to present your work effectively and creatively. With your tutor, you will establish a Learning Agreement for the year. This will be developed into your final project in Unit 4. 

Unit 2: Developing your practice 

This unit introduces you to more puppet-making techniques and materials. You will focus on and interrogate specific aspects of puppetry that reflect your interests.  
 
You will engage in a critical research project to develop and articulate a thorough understanding of a key artist, technique or process in puppetry. This will improve your understanding of creative research methodologies. 

Workshops and taught sessions will develop your puppetry skills and knowledge. You will also improve your understanding of dramaturgy and visual storytelling.  

You will consider and evaluate the ethical and social implications of your artistic choices, designs and performances. You will fabricate, develop and realise an object for performance. Your design choices will reflect its use and consider safe and sustainable materials. You will evaluate context and scale in relation to performances and their environments. 

The unit will conclude with a group project. You will put together a cabaret-style performance festival inspired by a chosen case study. You will document your learning in your research and practice portfolio. 

Unit 3: Collaboration  

You will devise and develop a collaborative live brief for a performance event that includes puppetry alongside other contemporary performance practices, styles and disciplines. This may involve other postgraduate level disciplines or industry connections. The unit will require you to engage creatively with peers using empathetic and inclusive practice. You will explore practical techniques for developing dramaturgy collectively. 

The outcome will be a researched puppet-based proposal, or prototype. It will show the potential for further development or outcomes in the field of puppetry.  

Unit 4: Realisation