Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU)

Master's in Directing of Devised and Object Theater

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.

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.

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.

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.