Open Call International Forum of the Theatertreffen 2026

About the Open Call

The Theatertreffen in Berlin is Germany's most important platform for German-language theatre. For over 60 years, its International Forum has offered a 17-day scholarship program for aspiring artists globally. It serves as a platform for exchange, collaboration, diverse perspectives, and a free space for communal play, emphasizing creative processes over completed work. In 2026, approximately 30 artists will be invited to watch theatre, engage in intensive workshops with international artists, reflect on productions, and exchange ideas in a non-stop theatre environment focused on scenic research. The 2026 edition, titled 'Theatre and Cohabitation', will relocate to the Floating University in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, a unique man-made environment reclaimed by nature. Participants will initiate a learning process outdoors, establishing connections, listening, and trying out shared languages, while also attending Theatertreffen festival performances and discussions. The program pillars include attending Theatertreffen performances and accompanying events, intensive workshops, artist talks, discussions with festival leadership and jury members, and excursions within Berlin.

What is Offered

The scholarship covers all costs for participation in the program, including: tickets for Theatertreffen productions and other festival events; travel expenses for fellows not residing in Berlin (most economic option, booked after arrangement); expenses for public transport within Berlin (excluding Berlin residents); accommodation (excluding Berlin residents, two fellows share an apartment with separate bedrooms but shared living/dining/kitchen/bathroom areas); catering / per diem (excluding Berlin residents); travel and health insurance funded by the Goethe-Institut; and visa fees for fellows, also funded by the Goethe-Institut.

Requirements

This open call is for theatre practitioners at the beginning of their artistic practice who have already gathered some professional experience, from all sectors of the performing arts (e.g., directing, acting, set/costume design, dramaturgy, text, music, video, performance, choreography, theatre education). Applicants should have around five years of artistic professional experience in these fields and be between approximately 25 to 35 years of age, though the decisive factor is their stage of creative development. Good or very good English language skills are required, as English is the common working language. Applicants must be available to participate over the entire program period (1–17 May 2026) as well as in online preparatory meetings in March and April 2026, be committed to contributing to the entire program, and actively engage with Theatertreffen’s program. The selection aims for diversity in artistic skills, approaches, main location of work (place/country), and connection between artistic work and the Forum's focus.

How to Apply

Applicants with a main location of work in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland apply directly to Berliner Festspiele by sending digital applications to internationales-forum@berlinerfestspiele.de. Artists with a main location of work outside these countries should apply via the Goethe-Institut’s application portal at portal.gap.goethe.de/en-US. Required documents include a filled-in application form with two theatre/culture worker recommendations, a photo reflecting 'What does theatre look like for you today?' (optional text max three sentences), a letter of motivation (max. two A4-pages), an artistic curriculum vitae (one A4-page max.), and work samples (including descriptions, links, visual/sound material, ten A4-pages max.; 5 MB max.). Artists in permanent employment must also provide a confirmation of release. The deadline for all applicants for the 2026 International Forum is 30 November 2025 (23:59, CET). Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.