When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Rachel Warr
  • Course Code W24DMAB12A
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This course will look at core principles of constructing drama for visual theatre and puppetry. Whether creating performance work through improvisation, a devising process or writing a script, whether making performance work with or without spoken text - a good understanding of narrative structure and artistic form is essential. During classes, students will develop their understanding of the principles of playwriting and constructing drama, as well as a foundational knowledge of puppetry and visual theatre. The sessions will involve practical work including handling puppets and drafting short pieces of drama. The course is suitable for all levels of writing, performing or puppetry experience, including no experience of these.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate narrative frameworks and literary tropes
  • Identify and evaluate different forms of puppetry and visual theatre to match the right theatrical tool for the right narrative
  • Employ techniques that enable you to respond to what a puppet offers
  • Formulate a script which does not rely on dialogue-driven drama
  • Understand techniques for writing drama through action, movement, materials and imag

Class format and activities

The classes are in-person and will include practical drama work with puppets and materials, and engaging in writing exercises. The course will involve discussion, practical work, working solo and in groups. The tutor, Rachel Warr, is an experienced theatre director, writer and dramaturg of visual and puppetry work. She will provide guided activities where exploration and participation is encouraged and supported.

Entry requirements

None required

What you need

Clothes which are easy to move in; a willingness to take part and to collaborate with others.

What you can do next

You can follow this work with further puppetry courses at Morley, including: General introduction to puppetry; Toy Theatre; Object theatre; Puppetry audition techniques. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to broaden and improve their puppetry, performance, devising or writing skills.