Sandglass- Puppet Arts Training Intensive 2008

Deadline for Applications Extended to May 1st

Sandglass Theater and The University of Connecticut's Puppet Arts Program are offering an intensive three-week Puppet Arts Training Program June 29-July 19, 2008. The workshop will be offered to puppeteers, teachers, actors, directors, designers and writers who want to expand and deepen their skill and understanding in the art of the puppet. For more information or to download an application go to www.sandglasstheater.org

The Method

Sandglass Theater believes that the puppet, as a theatrical medium, unlocks doors to our more secret sides and to integrating parts of ourselves. This includes the worlds of our dreams and memories, as well as all the metaphorical possibilities of theater.

The objective of the training program is to inspire theater artists to understand and to experience the puppet at a theatrical medium. Sandglass believes in integrating this understanding of the puppet within the larger picture of
expressive theater. Sandglass teaches a method of manipulation developed in over 19 years of workshops in Europe and America. Key to the training is the link between the approach to manipulation and the content of the performed work.

Classes during the intensive will be scheduled for five and a half days per week. Daily sessions will include body training and breath development with relation to puppet performance, training in manipulation technique an its relation to artistic statement, and training and discussion in theory and aesthetics. All sessions, including improvisation workshops, will provide the opportunity for participants to develop their own pieces. Participants will also receive open workshop time for puppet building. The program will include evening and weekend sessions with Sandglass company members and guests on a variety of subjects. Space and other resources will be available during other times for participants to rehearse and develop their pieces. The workshop will lead to informal public showings.

The Faculty

Eric Bass, Institute Director: Co-Founder of Sandglass Theater and recipient of 5 Citations of Excellence from the Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA).

Ines Zeller Bass, Instructor: Co-Founder of Sandglass Theater and director of Sandglass Theater©ˆs children©ˆs programs. UNIMA Citation winner.

Dave Regan, Technical Director: Sandglass company member since 1999. MFA in Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut.

Bart. P. Roccoberton, Jr., the director of the Puppet Arts Program at the University of Connecticut is the host of the 2007 Sandglass Institute.