BREAD & PUPPET THEATER
2009 Summer Apprenticeship Programs

The deadline is 4 April 2009.

The Bread and Puppet Theater is accepting applications for the 2009 summer apprentice programs to provide students, truck drivers, housewives, farmers, musicians, activists, anyone, with an opportunity to actively participate in Bread & Puppet style show making. Bread & Puppet Theater, one of the oldest non-commercial, self-supporting theaters in the country, has created politically and socially aware shows with commitment to community participants since 1963. At present, our shows are antiwar, anti-Capitalism, anti-Globalization and pro-Vermont independence. The apprenticeship programs are either an intensive five weeks long or two weeks long communal living and working experience with an eclectic group of 40-60 people on our farm in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Please note that the focus’s of the apprenticeships are specific to the shows being made and not a particular syllabus: we are not a school, and we do not conduct classes in different styles of puppetry and puppet building. Also, we are not a summer camp for adults: apprentices need to be self-motivated. Learning is accomplished by engaging in different aspects of Bread and Puppet show production, with may include movement and dance experimentation, mask and puppet manipulation, vocal and instrumental music or organized noise making, printmaking, singing, papier mache, puppet making and stilt dancing. The materials (newspaper articles, poems, etc.), talents, musical instruments and interests that apprentices bring can be important part of our show creating process.

Apprentices help to create our weekly Sunday program (outdoor circus, pageant and sideshows) and participate in our indoor Friday evening shows (The Lubberland National Dance Company). We also perform in many local parades. A part of the apprenticeships is participation in agricultural chores as well as everyday tasks (such as cooking, cleaning, firewood stacking, recycling, trips to the garbage dump, etc). We use outhouses, conserve water, compost leftovers and generally try to be thrifty. Accommodations are very simple, even rugged, and most apprentices live in tents. Apprentices must be 18 or older. Dogs, drugs, and underage drinking are not permitted.

This year we are holding two separate apprenticeships. The first program is five weeks long, focusing on building and inventing the summer circus, pageant and dance shows. The program begins June 29th and the final performance of the apprenticeship is on Sunday, August 2nd. There is a fee of $900 for this apprenticeship.

The second program is two weeks long and is designed to maintain the momentum of the Bread and Puppet summer season. Apprentices will learn, perform, and continue the development of existing shows. The program begins August 5th and the final performance of the second apprenticeship is on Sunday, August 16th. There is a fee of $400 for this program.

The fees include organic and garden- grown food. We can accept a small number of people at a reduced fee, so if you are unable to pay the full fee please apply early.

TO APPLY:
Send a letter of interest (please no e-mail ) that includes your background, age, and current phone number, and explain your familiarity with and interest in Bread and Puppet. Theater. Art training is not required. Please let us know if you play and instrument. If you are accepted, a nonrefundable $200 deposit is due. The remainder of the fee is payable upon arrival. Acceptance is rolling and limited (35 for the first apprenticeship and 15 for the second apprenticeship), so write as early as possible to guarantee a spot.

If you have any questions call us at (802) 525-3031
Or e-mail: puppetsecretary@yahoo.com

Mail letter to:
Bread and Puppet Theater, Apprenticeship Program,
753 Heights Rd.
Glover, VT
05839