Josef Skupa (16. 1. 1892 - 7. 1. 1957) - an important Czech puppeteer, founder Spejbla and Hurv�nka, author of puppet plays.

Josef Skupa Born the son of a policeman in Strakonice, where he grew up until the age of five. Then, with a group moved to Pilsen. At the request of parents enrolled at the School of Applied Arts in Prague, where he graduated in 1915 and then became a school teacher. His fate influenced by World War II. Enlisted in the Army, where he spent the beginning of the conflict in Hungary and later was assigned to the department of military censorship in Pilsen. At that time he began working with the local Municipal Theatre and later with amateur puppet theater Feri�ln�ch settlements, led by experienced principals Karel Novak. After the war itself Skupa file management took over and his popularity grew in Pilsen unprecedented. Wrote plays, directed, but also designed the puppets and devoted himself to scenography. Charmed audiences possibilities of its pleasant and funny sounding voice, which managed to persuade various kinds of characters. Very successful was primarily the processing of Hasek's The Good Soldier Schweik. In 1919, produced by woodcarver Karel Nosek Skupova draft Spejbla puppet who first created tandem with the already popular Punch. The real phenomenon is born but with the advent of Hurv�nka whose author was Skup�v collaborator Gustav Nosek. Those Wood actors began soon to be popular throughout Czechoslovakia, so you Skupa could afford to establish the first professional puppet theater in the Czech Republic (Pilsen puppet theater prof. Joseph Skupy). The set was great for its time technically equipped, self-possessed even a coach. Spejbl Pinocchio soon became popular abroad. Golden era theater but severed the Second World War. Skupa became uncomfortable totalitarian Nazi regime and the beginning of 1944, he was arrested by the Gestapo and imprisoned in Dresden. After the massive bombardment of the city, he managed to flee the war was hidden.

After the liberation of Skupa founded in Prague the new Puppet Theatre Spejbla and Hurv�nka, made famous in Czechoslovakia virtually worldwide. Skupa died January 7, 1957 in Prague. His successor became successful Milo� Kirschner.