Master’s Program in Directing of Devised and Object Theatre at DAMU

Overview

The Master’s programme in Directing of Devised and Object Theatre at the Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) is a two-year, full-time course conducted entirely in English. Offered by the Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre, it is designed for students who wish to explore contemporary performance beyond conventional scripted drama. Rather than interpreting pre-written plays, the programme emphasises devising original works from inspiration, material, object, space, and audience relations. It invites students to develop their own theatrical languages, aesthetics, and methodologies.

The curriculum focuses on object theatre, visual and spatial dramaturgy, material-based work, immersive performance, installation, and site-specific forms. Students are encouraged to investigate the dramaturgical potential of objects, space, sound, and movement, integrating theoretical reflection with hands-on experimentation. The programme prepares graduates to operate as independent creators, directors, and collaborators in a wide range of experimental performance contexts.

Programme Goals

The programme develops graduates who are innovative, independent, and critically aware. Its main objectives include:

• Exploring new forms of contemporary performance, beginning with raw material and developing it into cohesive performative work.

• Investigating the dramaturgical and performative potential of objects, materials, and spatial arrangements.

• Supporting the development of an individual artistic language, vision, and methodology over the course of study.

• Integrating theoretical inquiry with creative practice, fostering critical reflection and contextual understanding.

• Equipping students with the skills to operate in independent, experimental, or low-budget theatre environments, including directing, dramaturgy, performance, and production management.

Graduates emerge as versatile artists capable of devising, performing, directing, and producing original works in experimental theatre and performance art.

Curriculum Structure

The programme spans four semesters, progressively combining practical experimentation, theoretical study, and artistic research.

• Semesters 1–2: Foundational studio work introduces students to devising performance, object-based and spatial approaches, directing performers, and experimenting with materials. Core courses include “Work on Performance Practice,” “Directing,” “Performing,” and “Search for Context.”

• Semester 3: Students refine their individual performative language, deepen dramaturgical investigations, collaborate across disciplines, and participate in workshops with visiting national and international artists. Seminars on performance analysis and contemporary performance theory support critical reflection.

• Semester 4: Dedicated to the final performance project, master’s thesis, and oral examinations. Students realise a full-scale devised work, integrating theory and practice, often in collaboration with a production team.

The study plan also allows for optional subjects and individual supervision tailored to the student’s interests, enabling exploration of immersive theatre, site-specific work, animation, or multimedia performance.

Graduate Profile

Graduates are equipped to operate as independent creators and innovators. They demonstrate:

• Creative autonomy: Ability to develop conceptually coherent and visually compelling performances from material, object, and space.

• Collaborative skills: Preparedness to work as directors, performers, dramaturgs, or creative leaders in interdisciplinary teams.

• Technical and organisational expertise: Competence in producing documentation, directing rehearsals, managing production logistics, and realising performances.

• Critical and theoretical insight: Capacity to situate work historically, culturally, and socially, and to articulate a personal artistic and methodological approach.

• Professional adaptability: Preparedness to work in alternative theatre, object theatre, immersive performance, installation, and public-space contexts, and to navigate experimental and collaborative environments.

Graduates leave DAMU as reflective, resourceful, and innovative practitioners capable of shaping contemporary performance landscapes.

Why Choose DAMU?

Studying this programme at DAMU offers distinct advantages:

• Innovative focus: Emphasis on experimental performance, object theatre, immersive work, installation, and public-space practice.

• International environment: English-language instruction attracts students worldwide and fosters cross-cultural exchange.

• Interdisciplinary ethos: Situated in the Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre, students combine object theatre traditions with spatial, visual, and media experimentation.

• Small cohort, intensive mentorship: Limited intake ensures personalized guidance, individual supervision, and a strong creative community.

• Cultural context: Prague’s rich arts scene, theatre traditions, and access to European networks provide an inspiring environment for artistic growth.

• Practical and research-oriented: Balances studio-based creation, workshops with visiting artists, theoretical seminars, and project development from inception to performance.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are expected to:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, with a portfolio demonstrating creative potential.

• Submit a creative project proposal, motivation letter, CV, and documentation of prior work (portfolio, audiovisual links, or similar).

• Complete a two-stage selection process: initial assessment of materials and a practical creative task with an interview.

• Demonstrate English proficiency at approximately CEFR B2 or above.

• Understand that admission is highly competitive due to the small number of students accepted each year.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of contemporary performance roles:

• Independent directors and creators of devised theatre, object theatre, and performance installations.

• Leaders or collaborators in collectives, immersive theatre companies, site-specific and public-space performance projects.

• Creative producers, dramaturgs, or directors in contexts where roles overlap with design, material research, and audience engagement.

• Educators and facilitators in workshops, experimental performance, object theatre, and site-specific methodologies.

• Artistic researchers or doctoral candidates bridging practice, theory, and performance studies.

The programme cultivates independent artistic agency, critical thinking, and creative leadership, equipping graduates to contribute meaningfully to experimental and contemporary performance practices.