“FirstHand has defined the kind of artist I want to be” – Jessica Harlond-Kenny, 2011 FirstHand Emergent Artist and Performer
Applications are now open for the FirstHand Puppetry Artist program for emergent artists. Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to develop their skills within the art form of puppetry, receive support through a creative development process, immerse themselves in a two-week intensive skills training course and have the opportunity to present their work.
Our artistic leaders Michael Barlow (25 years) and Philip Mitchell (25 years) are among the very few Masters of the art form actively experimenting and teaching in the art. Both are passionate about the development of artists and the evolution of puppetry, through experimentation.
In 2016, four of Perth’s most exciting independent emergent artists were selected for the program, including recent WAAPA graduates Zoe Hollyoak and Rachael Woodward, along with Finn O’Branagáin and Rhiannon Petersen.
Other successful graduates include Chloe Flockart, nominated in the 2015 Performing Arts Awards for Best Actress for Farm, St John Cowcher who has toured internationally with The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer, and Bec Bradley, also nominated in the 2015 PAWA Awards for her role in Farm.
What you need to know:
The program commences in August 2017 with opportunities for observation, participation and mentorship before entering a puppetry performance project development period.
Over a 3 – 4 month period, FirstHand offers rigorous training in the creation of puppetry and is suited to applicants with a strong skills base in performing or design for new theatre and performance. Ideally you will have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field but consideration will be given to applicants with a demonstrable level of other training or relevant experience.
The program operates at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre on a fee-free, part-time basis and requires a variable but sustained time commitment.
On successful completion of the initial training and development phase, participants will then be offered seed-funding of $3,000 for the incubation of a new puppetry performance project. The seed-fund also includes in-kind support through access to Spare Parts’ rehearsal and office space, artistic and administrative mentorship. Applicants will be required to reconcile and acquit the seed-fund and to deliver a showing at the completion of the FirstHand internship to Spare Parts Company Associates, staff, board and other invited guests.
If you are looking to further develop your skills within the art form of puppetry or know someone who would like to, we would love to hear from you!
Applications must be submitted by 5pm WST on 3 March 2017. For more information and how to apply, please click here.
