The School of Visual Theater
The
School of Visual Theater was founded in 1986 by a group of
puppeteers,
who had previously founded the "Train" Theater..
The artists' vision was to raise a new generation of artists that would develop
the art of puppet theater into an interdisciplinary form, integrating other
forms of visual and performing arts. The school founders aspired to create
a center for art education in the spirit of the Bauhaus: an institution
combining a wide idealistic perspective and unconventional artistic conception.
The teaching staff included puppeteers, sculptors, painters, actors, directors,
performance artists and video artists. Emphasis was placed on the personal
grooming of each young artist in the direction and areas of his/her choice
and interest.
65 students now take part in a full study program and additional students
participate in individual courses. Alongside the basic 4-year curriculum,
the school offers an academic 4-year curriculum in collaboration with the
David Yellin Teachers' College.
Having terminated their studies, the school's graduates commence their
independent careers as artists.
For a (partial) list of graduates and their activities, press here.
Participation in Festivals
The school is invited every year to participate in various festivals in Israel and abroad.
Among the festivals in which students and graduates of the school have taken
part in the past few years: Acco Festival of Alternative Theater 2001, the 10th
International Puppet Theater Festival in Jerusalem (August 2001),
Arrivano Dal Mare Festival in Cerbia, Italy (July 2001),
the International Puppet Theater PIF in Zagreb, Croatia (August 2000),
and the International Puppet Theater Festival Lutke 2000 (August 2000).
The Etienne Debel Library
The school library contains a collection of books and films in numerous areas:
theater, dance, visual art, puppet theater, video art, design and others.
The library is named in memory of the theater person Etienne Debel,
at whose request his family has donated his theater book collection to
the students of theater in Jerusalem.
Opening Hours:
Mon. - Wed. 9:00 - 14:00
Thu 14:00 - 19:00
Supporters
At the beginning, the Jerusalem Fund supported the school and faciliatated
its existence. Eventually, the Jerusalem Municipality's Culture Department
and the Ministry of Education which recognized the school and included it
in the list of officially recognized art institutions of higher learning.
The school continues to enjoy the support of these authorities and in addition,
receives contributions from various funds, including the Caesaria Foundation -
Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild, the Rich Foundation, the Karev Foundation and the Bracha Foundation.
Association Members
The School of Visual Theater is a Non Profitable Organization and a registered
association.
Public Members (Boared of directors):
Chairman - Mr. Itay Ages
Members of the board - Rotem Balva, Amnon Bachar, Rachel Bilski-Cohen, Ruth Debel, Shmulik Davidson,
Daphna Naor, Ariela Weitz, Zvika Yohanan, Yaron Sadan, Rani Pinci, Arik Naor, Idit Saragusti, Guy Binshtock.
who had previously founded the "Train" Theater..
The artists' vision was to raise a new generation of artists that would develop
the art of puppet theater into an interdisciplinary form, integrating other
forms of visual and performing arts. The school founders aspired to create
a center for art education in the spirit of the Bauhaus: an institution
combining a wide idealistic perspective and unconventional artistic conception.
The teaching staff included puppeteers, sculptors, painters, actors, directors,
performance artists and video artists. Emphasis was placed on the personal
grooming of each young artist in the direction and areas of his/her choice
and interest.
65 students now take part in a full study program and additional students
participate in individual courses. Alongside the basic 4-year curriculum,
the school offers an academic 4-year curriculum in collaboration with the
David Yellin Teachers' College.
Having terminated their studies, the school's graduates commence their
independent careers as artists.
For a (partial) list of graduates and their activities, press here.
Participation in Festivals
The school is invited every year to participate in various festivals in Israel and abroad.
Among the festivals in which students and graduates of the school have taken
part in the past few years: Acco Festival of Alternative Theater 2001, the 10th
International Puppet Theater Festival in Jerusalem (August 2001),
Arrivano Dal Mare Festival in Cerbia, Italy (July 2001),
the International Puppet Theater PIF in Zagreb, Croatia (August 2000),
and the International Puppet Theater Festival Lutke 2000 (August 2000).
The Etienne Debel Library
The school library contains a collection of books and films in numerous areas:
theater, dance, visual art, puppet theater, video art, design and others.
The library is named in memory of the theater person Etienne Debel,
at whose request his family has donated his theater book collection to
the students of theater in Jerusalem.
Opening Hours:
Mon. - Wed. 9:00 - 14:00
Thu 14:00 - 19:00
Supporters
At the beginning, the Jerusalem Fund supported the school and faciliatated
its existence. Eventually, the Jerusalem Municipality's Culture Department
and the Ministry of Education which recognized the school and included it
in the list of officially recognized art institutions of higher learning.
The school continues to enjoy the support of these authorities and in addition,
receives contributions from various funds, including the Caesaria Foundation -
Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild, the Rich Foundation, the Karev Foundation and the Bracha Foundation.
Association Members
The School of Visual Theater is a Non Profitable Organization and a registered
association.
Public Members (Boared of directors):
Chairman - Mr. Itay Ages
Members of the board - Rotem Balva, Amnon Bachar, Rachel Bilski-Cohen, Ruth Debel, Shmulik Davidson,
Daphna Naor, Ariela Weitz, Zvika Yohanan, Yaron Sadan, Rani Pinci, Arik Naor, Idit Saragusti, Guy Binshtock.