The Bread and Puppet Theater is currently accepting applications for the 2008 summer apprentice program to provide students, truck drivers, housewives, farmers, musicians, activists, anyone, with an opportunity to actively participate in Bread & Puppet style show making. Bread & Puppet Theater, one of the oldest noncommercial, self-supporting theaters in the country, has created politically and socially aware shows with commitment to community participation since 1963. At present, our shows are antiwar, anti-Capitalism, anti-Globalization and pro-Vermont independence. The apprenticeship program is an intense month long communal living and working experience with an eclectic group of 40-60 people on our farm in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

Please note that the focus of the apprenticeship is specific to the shows being made and not a particular syllabus; we are not a school, and we do not conduct classes in different styles of puppetry and puppet building. Also, we are not a summer camp for adults; apprentices need to be self motivated. Learning is accomplished by engaging in different aspects of Bread and Puppet show production, which may include text research, movement and dance experimentation, mask and puppet manipulation, vocal and instrumental music or organized noise making, printmaking, singing, papier maché, puppet making and stilt dancing. The materials (newspaper articles, poems, etc.), talents, musical instruments and interests that apprentices bring can be an important part of our show creating process.

Apprentices help to create our weekly Sunday program (outdoor circus, pageant and sideshows) and participate in our indoor Friday evening shows (The Lubberland National Dance Company). We also perform in many local parades. A part of the apprenticeship is participation in agricultural chores as well as everyday tasks (such as cooking, cleaning, firewood stacking, recycling, trips to the garbage dump, etc.). We use outhouses, conserve water, compost leftovers and generally try to be thrifty. Accommodations are very simple, even rugged, and most apprentices live in tents.

Apprentices must be 18 or older. Dogs, drugs and underage drinking are not permitted. The program begins on wednesday June 25 and ends on Sunday July 27. There is a fee of $900 (this fee includes organic and garden-grown food for the month). We are able to accept a small number of applicants at a reduced fee.

TO APPLY: Send a letter of interest (please no e-mail) that includes your background, age and current phone number, and explains your familiarity with and interest in Bread and Puppet. Theater/art training is not required. Please let us know if you play an instrument. If you are accepted, a nonrefundable $200 deposit is due. The remainder of the fee is payable upon arrival. Acceptance is rolling and limited to 35, so write as early as possible to guarantee a spot.

If you have any questions call us at (802) 525 3031 or email: puppetsecretary@yahoo.com. Mail letters to: Bread and Puppet Theater, Apprentice Program, 753 Heights Rd., Glover, VT 05839