Summary

Discover the world of puppet theater and be inspired by the wonderful landscape of Brittany! In this 4- or 5-day course, you will build a rod puppet and use it to learn the most important basics of puppetry. Then it's time to get started: puppetry, from the first breath to the scene: fascination and poetry!

And to enrich your course experience even further, let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent Breton surroundings. Explore the nearby Pink Granite Coast, the beach of Coz-Pors in Trégastel, considered one of the most spectacular coastal sites in France. Wander through mysterious paths, islands, or forests where menhirs and dolmens, stones of legend, suddenly appear before you... or experience the rich offerings of Brittany's historical heritage and its lively cultural program. You will end your stay filled with dreams, creativity, and your own stick puppet, ready for new adventures...

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories: Creative Retreats, Cinematography, Painting, Creative Writing, Modeling
Date: 2026-04-13 - 2026-04-16
Language(s): German, French
Level: Beginner, Advanced
Group Size: 6
Place: Coatréven, France
Accommodation: not included
Catering: No meals
Services: Material costs are included

Exercises, on the game bar or in open play; with given scenes or improvisations

Take lots of beautiful photos of the dolls brought to life, and the performance will be filmed as a souvenir!

Original tours of Brittany (e.g., visits to an oyster farm) in German can be organized.

Accommodation

If the words nature, serenity, harmony, and inspiration make your heart leap, then the Kerzont estate just outside Perros-Guirec is the place for you. It is the ideal starting point for all excursions in the Trégor-Goëlo region, which is rich in sights and has a wonderful cultural and historical heritage.
There are various accommodation options in the surrounding area (single or double rooms with or without private bathrooms, or small detached cottages, so you can bring your partner or friends along. Booking and payment are separate (from €330 per room for 7 nights).

Catering

Catering: A kitchen is available for self-catering. You will find numerous pubs and restaurants, crêperies, etc. in the surrounding towns (a visit to the weekly market is also a special experience).

sequence

Where will this creative journey of discovery take us? We will design a character head out of papier-mâché, which will then be painted, styled, dressed, and finally brought to life! You will learn how exciting it is when your stick puppet suddenly comes to life, starts talking, slips into different roles, and cheekily and courageously explores different ways to play. We will work out a short scenario in groups and perform it at the end! A workshop for puppet theater enthusiasts and those who want to become one, regardless of whether professionally or privately. Requirements: curiosity, enthusiasm for playing, willingness to try new things, no previous puppetry experience necessary.

The first course takes place Monday through Wednesday mornings and all day Thursday. The second course takes place Monday through Friday mornings. We will decide on the times together.

And a few words about the course instructor: Berit Schwarm, a native of Stuttgart, has been living in Brittany for 25 years, where she founded her own puppet theater, Théâtre B.A., after several years of training at the Figurentheaterkolleg in Bochum, studying education, and gaining theater experience at various children's and puppet theaters.

Arrival

The Guingamp TGV station is a 25-minute drive away. Brest and Rennes airports are a 1.5-hour drive away. If you arrive by train, we can pick you up at the Guingamp TGV station (for a fee).

Lieu-dit Kerzont , 22450 Coatréven, Bretagne, France

Cancellation policy

If you cancel up to 90 days before arrival, you will receive a 50% refund of the booking price.
After this, the booking is non-refundable.

The puppetry course takes place from Monday to Wednesday in the mornings and all day Thursday (with the planned performance), leaving enough time for excursions, beach walks, etc.