The International Forum, hosted by Berliner Festspiele’s Theatertreffen, is inviting early-career theatre professionals from around the world to apply for its 2026 edition.
The Forum provides a platform for creative exchange, collaboration, and artistic growth, connecting emerging voices in theatre through workshops, performances, and discussions in Berlin.
Focus
The programme is designed to nurture talented theatre practitioners at the beginning of their careers who are eager to explore new perspectives in performance-making.
Through its interactive sessions, the Forum promotes cultural dialogue, experimentation and learning among artists of diverse backgrounds and disciplines. It encourages participants to rethink theatre in response to today’s social and artistic realities.
Programme experience
Participants will attend Theatertreffen performances, take part in intensive workshops and engage in artist talks, discussions and excursions throughout Berlin.
Activities will take place mainly at the Floating University, an open-air venue that fosters innovation and collective learning. Fellows should be prepared for Berlin’s cool and rainy May weather, as most sessions occur outdoors.
Benefits
Selected artists will receive a fully funded scholarship covering participation costs, theatre tickets, accommodation, travel expenses and a daily allowance (for non-Berlin residents).
The Goethe-Institut will also cover visa fees, travel insurance and health insurance. Fellows will share furnished apartments with separate bedrooms, ensuring a collaborative yet comfortable living environment.
Who can apply
The opportunity is open to early-career professionals from all areas of the performing arts, including directing, acting, design, choreography, dramaturgy, music, video and theatre education. Applicants should have some professional experience and a clear artistic direction.
Eligibility requirements include:
● Around five years of professional experience in theatre or a related field.
● Aged approximately 25–35 years.
● Good English skills, as it is the programme’s working language.
● Full availability for the programme from 1–17 May 2026 and for online preparatory meetings.
● Strong motivation to collaborate and contribute creatively.
● The organisers particularly welcome BlPoC artists, queer people, those with disabilities and artists with migration backgrounds.
Application materials
Applicants must submit a photo that expresses their view on “What does theatre look like for you today?” accompanied by up to three sentences.
A motivation letter (maximum two A4 pages) is also required, explaining what they hope to gain from the experience, describing a remarkable theatre production they have seen, and sharing a creative idea about making theatre with another species and how that collaboration might look.
Deadline
Applications are due on November 30, 2025. Visit the Goethe-Institut website to apply.
Explore more global calls on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
