Today, on the 1st of March, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT) has commenced accepting applications for its MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making programme (CPPM). Applications are welcome until the 1st of July 2024. In 2024, the course admits 16–18 students and the studies will commence on the 20th of January 2025, with studies spanning two years.

“We’re admitting students for the third time and remain committed to finding the most talented and diverse performance artists worldwide to come to Estonia for studies – all to curate an exceptional course enriching the Estonian performing arts landscape,” stated Jüri Nael, the leading professor of contemporary performance at EMTA.

“In 2024, we aim to bring auditions closer to you, ensuring that everyone can attend without the need to travel to the other side of the world. That’s why we’re offering global face-to-face and online auditions this year. While face-to-face auditions are preferred, as they allow us to meet and spend some time together in the studio, we accept online auditions as an equally valid alternative. We hope this ensures greater flexibility and accessibility for applicants, regardless of their location”, added Nael.

Face-to-face auditions take place in Seoul (South Korea), Melbourne (Australia), Sao Paolo (Brazil), New York (United States), London (UK) and Tallinn (Estonia). In addition, we offer three online auditions that take place in different time zones: Asia (GMT+10), the Americas (GMT-7), and Europe (GMT+1).

CPPM programme is founded on the belief that encounters with inspiring artists and the opportunity to closely and honestly experience their creative process are the primary catalysts for the development of young performance artists. The coursework is delivered through intensive masterclasses by internationally acclaimed directors, choreographers, performers, and troupes from around the globe. Recent guest artists include Olivier de Sagazan (FRA), Hannes Langolf (DV8 Physical Theatre), Eddie Martinez (Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bauch), Rob Hayden (Ultima Vez), Guillermo Gomez-Pena (La Pochanostra), Grzegorz Bral (Song of the Goat), Amit Lahav (Gecko), Marilena Dara (Jasmin Vardimon Company), Kim Collier (Electric Company Theatre), Young Boy Dancing Group and many others.

Instruction is conducted in English.

To qualify for the program, candidates should hold an undergraduate degree, ideally in a field related to performing arts such as theatre, acting, dance, choreography, circus, performance art or performance making. Nonetheless, applicants with degrees in other areas may also be eligible if they can present a significant portfolio highlighting their prior artistic practice and experience. While candidates with several years of professional experience in the performing arts are preferred, this is not a mandatory criterion for application.

Established in 2019, CPPM saw its first cohort graduate in the spring of 2021, comprising 12 students from 8 countries. The second cohort, with 14 students from 11 countries, is set to graduate this spring as part of the international contemporary performance festival, CPPM MANIFESTAL’24, running from March 12th to June 17th, featuring 14 new productions totalling over 60 performances.

All information about the course, including entry requirements, can be found on the CPPM website at www.mastersincppm.com

The website offers abundant visual and video material regarding past CPPM projects and activities.