International Performing Arts Conference: Performing Arts Between Tradition & Contemporaneity

About the Open Call

For over two decades, the IUGTE Conference has been a unique crossroads for the global performing arts community. This is not just another conference - it's a living laboratory. Our 22nd edition continues the legacy of fostering deep, meaningful dialogue and practical exchange between masters and emerging artists, tradition and experimentation. The programme blends intensive performative workshops, theoretical discussions, and open laboratories. Theatre directors, dancers, choreographers, circus artists, teachers, and researchers converge here to share, learn, and create beyond disciplinary boundaries. Atmosphere and Venue: A 13th-century castle surrounded by forests and hills. In winter - snowy landscapes, mountain air and complete immersion in creativity. Evening discussions by the fireplace, morning warm-ups in halls with high vaulted ceilings, walks through the park where you might encounter deer. Historic architecture neighbors modern amenities: rehearsal spaces, auditoriums, guest rooms, dining hall on-site - everything in one place. Program and Key Modules: The final schedule is curated based on participants' applications, ensuring a vibrant and relevant exchange. While the content evolves each year, the core structure provides a balanced rhythm of practice and reflection. The conference runs from December 18 to December 22, 2025. Days include registration, welcome meetings, introductions, networking, labs and practical intensives (theatre, dance, circus), lectures and panel discussions, research presentations, arts management and marketing case studies, work-in-progress showings, final showings, workshops, lectures and presentations, conference summary, and a closing party. More About the Conference: Performing Arts Between Tradition and Contemporaneity is the IUGTE Conference - an International Performing Arts Conference 2025 in Europe, hosted at Laubegg Castle, Austria (international conference December 2025). This performing arts conference blends performative practices and interdisciplinary exchange with hands‑on laboratories and residencies in Europe, creating a true performing arts & conference experience. Designed as both a performing arts forum conference and a performing arts education conference, the program spans theatre/drama, dance and circus - effectively acting as a drama conference, dance conference and circus conference in one. Sessions also cover arts education, arts administration, arts leadership and current marketing insights - a timely arts conference event within the European calendar of international conference events. Open to professionals, presenters and students, it’s a friendly arts network conference and arts presenters conference that welcomes arts schools and networks (an arts school network conference feel) and includes conversations on audience development/arts reach. If you’re planning participation in art conferences in Austria or broader participation in art conferences in Europe, the IUGTE performing arts conference (the IUGTE conference “Performing Arts Between Tradition and Contemporaneity”) offers rich international conference topics, showcases and networking; scholarships may be announced, and all attendees receive an international conference with certificate.

What is Offered

New Methods and Skills in physical theatre practice, movement, composition, pedagogy, and arts management; a Performance Platform for work-in-progress showings, open classes, and discussions; Networking and Collaborations with artists, educators, and producers from around the world; and an International Certificate of participation that can be used for your CV.

Requirements

This conference is designed for performing arts professionals and pre-professionals, including actors, theatre directors, dancers, choreographers, circus artists, students, emerging artists, arts managers, producers, educators, and academics, who are serious about their growth and eager for meaningful international connections. Participant selection is based on portfolio and motivation. International participants requiring visa support can receive an invitation letter to assist with visa applications after payment of the fee; it is recommended to apply no later than October.

How to Apply

To register to participate, click “To Register” on the conference page and submit the online registration form. You’ll receive follow-up instructions by email, and your spot is confirmed once registration and payment are processed. Early registration is €150 until 2025-09-19. The standard fee is €250 until 2025-12-06. Participant selection is based on portfolio and motivation. To apply as a speaker or present a workshop/performance, send your proposal to conference@nipai.org or submit via the online form on the conference page. Visa support for international participants is available, and an invitation letter can be prepared after payment of the fee. It is recommended to apply for a visa no later than October.