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PuppetryMajor

Puppetry course work includes intensive study in children’s theatre, the practice of puppetry as a theatrical art form, and educational and creative dramatic activity as methods of learning and self-development for children.

By the numbers2

One of only two such programs in the U.S.

Overview

What is Puppetry at WVU like?

Description

The BFA in Puppetry includes intensive study in children’s theatre, the practice of puppetry as a theatrical art form, and educational and creative dramatic activity as methods of learning and self-development for children.

In addition to a broad-based curriculum in theatre studies, students work under the direction of a faculty member to operate a complete puppetry theatre with comprehensive study in a variety of construction, manipulation, historical study and performance techniques. The School’s Puppet Mobile tours the region while children’s theatre productions provide hands-on experience and performance opportunities.

All interested students must apply to the University and audition for the School of Theatre and Dance for acceptance.

Puppetry program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

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Fast Facts

What makes Puppetry at WVU unique?


Research and Academic Opportunities

Academic Options
Students can focus their studies in:

  • Masks
  • Costume Design
  • Fabrication
  • Sculpture
  • Children’s Theatre

Resources
The Evansdale Library, just a short walk from the Creative Arts Center, houses a script collection. Students also can access industry specific journals and magazines to stay current on what is happening and what is about to happen in the world of theatre.

Capstone Project
The senior year culminates in a capstone experience. For most students this will include a public performance or construction project demonstrating the skills they have learned throughout the program.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Students prepare as performers and entrepreneurs in theatre, puppetry and film. Past graduates have founded theatre companies, written and starred in their own films and web series and are dedicated to introducing new voices and concepts into their mediums.

Career opportunities include working as professional performers in the television, film and entertainment industries. Graduates may also seek careers in puppet design and fabrication.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Puppetry at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Puppetry major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Popular Courses

THET 375:
Puppet Construction

This studio class focuses on puppetry through the study of basic mechanical systems, printing, sculpting, sewing and finishing techniques.

THET 463:
Puppetry for Educators

Study of the use of puppetry in the classroom and other educational settings; Construction, manipulation, scripting, story-telling ideas to use with children. Curricular issues will be covered.

THET 464:
Children's Theatre

Study of theatre for child audiences. Writing, acting, designing, directing and producing plays with detailed analysis of scripts and children as audience members. (Field trip required.)

Cost and Aid

How much does Puppetry at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

West Virginia Resident
Per Credit $432
Per Semester $5,184
Fall and Spring Semesters $10,368
Non-Resident
Per Credit $1,166
Per Semester $13,992
Fall and Spring Semesters $27,984
International
Per Credit $1,166
Per Semester $14,292
Fall and Spring Semesters $28,584
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Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Puppetry can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Puppetry at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Puppetry major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2022-23 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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