Call for Emerging Puppeteers: Grünschnabel Prize 2026 at Figura Festival
Deadline 31 July 2025 - A prestigious Swiss award for early-career puppet and object theatre artists
Are you—or someone you know—at the exciting start of your professional journey in puppetry or object theatre? Here’s a rare and prestigious opportunity to gain international recognition and funding.
What’s the Grünschnabel Prize?
The Grünschnabel Prize (literally, “Greenhorn”) is Aargau’s sponsorship award for young puppet theatre companies or solo artists. It is presented every two years as part of the Figura Theaterfestival, one of Europe’s key festivals for animated forms, taking place in Baden, Switzerland, from 16–21 June 2026.
In 2026, the Aargau Cantonal Government will award the prize for the twelfth time. It comes with a CHF 10,000 grant and honours outstanding early-career work that explores the artistic possibilities of puppet and object theatre in an original, expressive way.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, artists or companies must:
Be at the beginning of their professional career (no more than 6 years of public performance history).
Work primarily with puppetry or object theatre.
Be available to perform at the Figura Festival 2026 if selected.
Diploma productions may also be considered, provided they have evolved beyond the student phase and are already on tour.
Deadline & Application
Application deadline: 31 July 2025
You’ll need to submit:
A completed registration form (available in English, German, or French),
A brief professional biography,
A description of your piece,
Photos or a Vimeo link,
A list of performance dates.
Download the official documents here:
For more information, visit:
www.figura-festival.ch/gruenschnabel
Take a look back at the trailer for 2024
Einblick in alle 33 Produktionen des Festivals 2024 (2 Min. 30 Sek.)
Video: Elisabeth Blättler
Animation und Sound Intro/Outro: Sven Mathiasen
Musik: Dave Spinnler
Why It Matters for UK Puppeteers
This is a unique chance for emerging UK talent to step onto the European stage, connect with an international network, and receive significant financial support.