UNIMA Passports programme
The PASSPORT program aims to help young UNIMA puppeteers or puppetry students, both UNIMA and non-UNIMA members, to attend puppet festivals and increase their knowledge of the organization and program
The PASSPORT program aims to help young UNIMA puppeteers or puppetry students, both UNIMA and non-UNIMA members, to attend puppet festivals and increase their knowledge of the organization and programming of an international event.
More Information & Passports Schedule click here
(September 2025 – September 2027)
January 2026
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival | United States | January 23 – 25, 2026 [1 passport x 4 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival | United States | January 30 – February 1, 2026 [1 passport x 4 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
April 2026
Moving Parts: Newcastle Puppetry Festival | United Kingdom | April 4 – 12 2026 [1 passport x 7 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
May 2026
May 2026
Festival Internazionale dei Burattini e delle Figure Arrivano dal Mare! | Italy | May 20 – 24 2026 [2 passport x 5 days]
June 2026
Skupova Pilsen | Czech Republic | June 10 – 14 2026 [2 passport x 5 days]
Figura Theaterfestival | Switzerland | June 16 – 21 2026 [1 passport x 6 days]
Festival Djaram’art | Senegal | June 16 – 21 2026 [1 passport x 6 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
September 2026
18th International Biennial Festival of Contemporary Puppetry Art LUTKE | Slovenia | September 23-26 2026 [2 passport x 4 days]
September 2027
Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes | France | September 17 – 26 2027 [2 passport x 10 days]
Passport Program Highlights
Carmel Balfe (Ireland) at the Materinka Festival (Czech Republic)
We’re happy to highlight the most recent Passport Program report, featuring Carmel Balfe’s participation at the Materinka Festival in the Czech Republic. Her experience showcases the program’s power to support artists in sharing and discovering puppetry across borders.
Expand Your Festival's Reach: Join the UNIMA PASSPORT Program!
UNIMA is calling on festivals around the world to join their growing PASSPORT program for 2025 and 2026. This initiative aims to help young puppeteers—both UNIMA members and non-members—gain hands-on experience by attending international festivals. In return, participating festivals will offer free accommodation and tickets to these talented individuals…