Open Call: Skupa’s Pilsen 2026
Application deadline: 28 February 2026 - Puppet & Alternative Theatre in the Heart of Europe
We’re delighted to share news from our friends at Skupa’s Pilsen—the Czech Republic’s oldest and most respected professional puppetry festival—who have opened applications for their 36th edition, running 10–14 June 2026 in Plzeň.
The festival is part of the UNIMA Passport Scheme, making it especially valuable for artists looking to connect with an international professional network while presenting work in a historically significant context.
Who Can Apply?
According to the festival:
Applications are open to Czech and Slovak professional theatre productions, as well as international co-productions with Czech or Slovak participation.
A gentle note for our UK readers:
International artists—including those based in the UK—can apply if the production is a co-production with Czech or Slovak partners.
Why Skupa’s Pilsen?
Founded in 1967 in celebration of legendary puppeteer Josef Skupa, Skupa’s Pilsen has long been a cornerstone of Czech and Slovak puppetry. Over nearly six decades, it has grown from a national showcase into a major international meeting point for puppet and alternative theatre artists.
What makes the festival special:
A competitive program judged by an international jury, spotlighting the strongest professional work from the past 2–3 years
A long tradition of innovation, now embracing object theatre, animation, movement-based performance, and hybrid forms
Strong international visibility, with a curated program of foreign productions alongside Czech and Slovak work
A supportive professional environment, valued by emerging and established artists alike
Since 2010, the festival has also positioned itself as a platform for presenting Czech puppetry to the world—something it does exceptionally well, thanks to its international audiences, delegates, and presenters.
The Festival Setting
Skupa’s Pilsen is hosted primarily at Divadlo ALFA, one of Europe’s most renowned puppet theatres and a regular presence on the international touring circuit. The venue is well equipped for complex puppetry and alternative theatre productions, with experienced technical teams and strong support for visiting companies.
The city of Plzeň itself adds to the experience. Known for its creative energy and cultural heritage (and yes, excellent beer 🍺), the city transforms during the festival into a vibrant hub of performances, conversations, and cross-border exchange.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to:
Czech and Slovak professional theatre productions
International co-productions with Czech or Slovak participation
Eligible works should:
Use puppetry or puppetry-adjacent forms (object theatre, animation, movement, etc.)
Be intended for audiences 6+
Have premiered after 1 January 2024
The application includes artistic, technical, and logistical details, as well as a full video recording of the performance.
📅 Key Dates
Festival dates: 10–14 June 2026
Application window: 6 October 2025 – 28 February 2026
👉 Apply Here
International artists—including those based in the UK—can apply if the production is a co-production with Czech or Slovak partners.