Research
The Pôle offers a programme dedicated to research in the puppetry arts, developed in close collaboration with national and international academic institutions.
This initiative is based on the principles of hospitality and support, encouraging researchers, teacher-researchers, and artist-researchers to develop and share new knowledge within the field.
Research residencies
These residencies are open to individuals conducting a research project intended for publication (e.g., articles, theses, dissertations).
Special consideration will be given to early-career doctoral researchers, ESNAM faculty undertaking research to enrich their teaching practice.
Applications will be evaluated based on the research topic’s originality and relevance, the scientific and/or artistic methodology, and the alignment between the project and the Pôle’s Documentation and Collections Centre resources.
Research residencies 2025/2026
– Paulo Balardim (Brazil) is pursuing research into the scenic relationships between actor, space and object in contemporary creation.
– Aurélie Hubeau (France) is interested in the heritage of the art of puppetry, through a targeted study of the female teachers at ESNAM since its creation, in order to highlight the women who have participated in the transmission of knowledge in this emblematic school.
– Alexandra Vuillet (France) will continue her exploration of how the training of the actor-puppeteer can respond to changes in contemporary writing and enrich the pedagogy of actors.
– Yeung Fai and Chiafi Hsu (France/Taiwan) are leading a research project centred on the pedagogical approach of Fai Yeung, a lecturer at ESNAM, who teaches Potehi (Chinese sheath) puppetry, between tradition and modernity.
Documentary residencies
Some projects not selected for a Research Residency, or that do not involve formal publication, may be proposed as Documentary Residencies instead.
These do not include a grant or required duration. However, they allow access to the Centre’s resources and accommodation.
Residents may be invited to hold informal discussions with ESNAM students or the Pôle’s team, if deemed relevant.
Applications for documentary residencies are accepted year-round.
To apply, send the following to infodoc@marionnette.com: a CV, a description of the research topic, preferred residency dates, a list of resources you wish to consult.
Outside the residences, the Documentation Centre is open to the public throughout the year, with the exception of certain periods (summer closure and Christmas holidays).