A Puppeteer’s Dream: Mastering the Art of Puppetry at Wimbledon College of Arts
Still Time to Apply for MA Puppetry at Wimbledon College of Arts! Round 2 Deadline: 26 March 2025 at 1pm (UK time) Digital Portfolio & Video Task Deadline: 9 April 2025 at 11.59pm (UK
Hello, puppet pals!
This gem of a course makes the puppeteer in me do cartwheels (figuratively—my puppet is better at cartwheels than I am). Dive into the magical world of the MA Puppetry programme at Wimbledon College of Arts. It’s a veritable playground for anyone passionate about pulling the strings—both literally and figuratively—of this timeless art form.
Here’s the scoop:
Why This Course Stands Out
Wimbledon’s MA Puppetry programme isn’t just about crafting adorable (or eerie) creatures; it’s a deep dive into every facet of the puppetry universe. Whether your thing is traditional marionettes, avant-garde object performance, or digital puppetry for film, this course promises to take your craft to the next level.
What’s particularly exciting is the emphasis on both live and recorded performance. The entertainment industry is increasingly experimenting with puppetry in virtual environments, and this programme is firmly aligned with that trajectory, delving into VFX, augmented reality, and interdisciplinary applications.
Oh, and did I mention you get to put on a cabaret-style puppet performance? Yes, please!
A Peek Behind the Curtain
The course is structured into four distinct units that build your puppetry chops step by step:
Elements of Puppetry: Learn the theory, design, and performance basics while collaborating with peers. Bonus points for its focus on audience connection and sustainable practices.
Developing Your Practice: Refine your personal style, craft a puppet that’s performance-ready, and even tackle the ethical implications of your artistic choices. (Climate-conscious puppets are the future, folks.)
Collaboration: This unit takes group projects to the next level by blending puppetry with other performance arts. You’ll work on proposals or prototypes that are ripe for real-world application.
Realisation: The pièce de résistance! You’ll create a capstone project that challenges traditional boundaries of puppetry while showcasing your vision. Think of it as your puppetry thesis, but way cooler.
The Stars of the Show: Meet the Faculty
Every great puppeteer needs a mentor (or two), and this programme has some stellar ones.
Giles Walker, Associate Lecturer, is your go-to for merging technical know-how with artistic flair. If there’s a creative challenge you’re stuck on, Giles will help you untangle it—string by string.
And then there’s Mervyn Millar, the MA Puppetry Academy Development Lead, whose name might ring a bell. (Hint: War Horse magic!) His wealth of experience ensures this programme is as innovative as it is inspiring.
Want to hear it straight from the experts? Check out their short introductory film.
What Makes This Course More Than Puppetry
A big shout out to the course’s ethical focus. From exploring social justice themes to using sustainable materials, there’s a strong commitment to making the art meaningful and relevant in today’s world.
Also, the connections to industry professionals are a huge draw. The programme encourages placements (not required, but highly recommended) and brings in experienced puppeteers, designers, and directors to help you hone your craft.
Why Wimbledon?
Aside from being part of the prestigious University of the Arts London (UAL), Wimbledon College of Arts boasts state-of-the-art facilities that will make any maker drool. From shared workshops to cutting-edge tech for VFX and AR, this place is a puppetry playground.
My Take
The programme’s holistic approach—combining design, performance, and research—feels like a puppeteer’s dream come true. It’s rare to find a programme that balances practical skill-building with academic rigour while staying rooted in today’s industry needs.
So, if you’re looking for your next puppetry adventure, maybe the MA Puppetry programme at Wimbledon College of Arts is your ticket.
Let me know what you think! Would you consider this course? Have you heard of other puppetry programmes that deserve a spotlight? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Until next time, keep those strings untangled. 🎭