Stage design department

head of the department: prof. Mgr. Ján Zavarský

Lecturers: doc. Mgr. Jana Preková / Mgr. Marie Jirásková, Ph.D. / Mgr. Jan Štěpánek / MgA. Kateřina Bláhová

The Stage Design Department intends to offer a synthesis of self-expression, connecting creation in space, time and situation. It develops a controlled process of conceptual thinking and creation, gathering contemporary dramatic, art and technological instruments. The aim of the synthesis is to visually cultivate both literary-dramatic and intellectual content.

The courses are structured so that the students can

• acquire general knowledge of civilization, fine arts, philosophy and, most importantly, theatre
• master various art techniques (drawing, painting, graphic art, sculpture, installation art, performance art, photo, video, light design, PC usage)
• analyze and visually transform requested topics
• process the topic using non-interpretational methods and specific forms
• acquire necessary technological knowledge of stage, costume, exhibition, art and light design

Both the aforementioned synthesis and the lecturers‘ specializations defi ne the department’s profi le, focusing on classic stage and costume design, experimental works, fashion and design. The studio deals with performances, installation art, graphics, new media and exhibitions as well. Stage design studies are divided into two cycles. In the three-year bachelor‘s cycle, students learn how to work independently when staging a play until they can analyze a text or a topic and creatively analyze their tasks when preparing or staging a play. At the end of the cycle, students defend their diploma theses and produce bachelor‘s art performances. In the following two-year master‘s cycle, students work independently on their personal projects and cooperate on the plays performed at the school studio Marta. The master‘s cycle should help the students become both independent authors and members of implementation teams. At the end of the fi ve-year study programme, students defend their master’s theses and produce graduate art performances. The Stage Design Department strives to connect some of its educational programmes with other art schools (FAVU Brno, VUT Brno). Some subjects are diversifi ed. The Department cooperates with guest lecturers who bring an interdisciplinary perspective, and takes part in both national and international festivals and exhibitions.

Apart from academic activities, students of the studio take regularly part in:

• department events: Open House Days, Scenography Days, PQ, exhibitions and events, independent projects and workshops,
• school events: performances, theatre shows at Marta, Encounter – The International Festival, street theatre performances, Mask Festival, workshops,
• other events: seminars and internships, cooperation with other departments.

The exact profile of the studies and the structure of the department are determined by the professional interests of the lecturers who teach the most important subjects in their own studios.