Grant
International Forum at the Theatertreffen
The International Forum at the Berliner Festspiele’s Theatertreffen promotes theatrical artists from all over the world. It sees itself as a networking platform for young theatre makers, an interdisciplinary laboratory and a self-reflective aspect of Theatertreffen, enabling in-depth analysis of German-language theatre production.
Conditions of Funding
This Open Call for the International Forum is addressed at theatre practitioners at the beginning of their artistic practice who have already gathered some professional experience. They may be from all sectors of the performing arts, especially from the fields of directing, acting, set and costume design, dramaturgy, text, music, video, performance, choreography and theatre education.
Applicants should have around five years of artistic professional experience in the above mentioned fields and be between around 25 to 35 years of age. The decisive factor is the point reached within the person’s creative development. Applicants should also have good or very good English language skills. The common working language is English.
Applicants should have around five years of artistic professional experience in the above mentioned fields and be between around 25 to 35 years of age. The decisive factor is the point reached within the person’s creative development. Applicants should also have good or very good English language skills. The common working language is English.
We award grants for theatre professionals around the world to take part in the Berliner Theatertreffen. The grants generally cover all fees for participation in the programme like costs of admission, travel expenses, expenses for travel within Berlin, accommodation, food or a daily allowance.
- at least 5 years of professional experience
- be available to participate over the entire period of the International Forum (1 – 17 May 2026) as well as in the online preparatory meetings.
- be committed to contribute in the International Forum’s entire programme.
- have good or very good English language skills
1. Take a photo that communicates your perspective on the following question: What does theatre look like for you today? This photo may be accompanied by up to three sentences, but this is not a requirement.
2. A letter of motivation (max. two A4-pages):
2. A letter of motivation (max. two A4-pages):
- What do you hope to gain for your artistic practice from Theatertreffen and the International Forum?
- Describe a remarkable production that you have seen in the past few years and why this work was remarkable for you.
- With which species would you like to make theater, and how would you go about it together?
Artists anywhere in the world are eligible to apply. The decisive factor is where you are currently focussing your work.
When selecting fellows, we consider applicants’ personalities and abilities. We encourage BlPoC -artists, people with a migration history, queer people and people with disabilities to apply. The conditions at Theatertreffen are not completely barrier-free, but individual solutions can be created.
I. Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Artists who are currently professionally based in Germany, Austria or Switzerland should apply directly to the Berliner Festspiele. You can find information about the application formalities in the Open Call of the Theatertreffen.
II. International artists currently professionally based in any other country should apply via the application portal (www.goethe.de/gap).
When selecting fellows, we consider applicants’ personalities and abilities. We encourage BlPoC -artists, people with a migration history, queer people and people with disabilities to apply. The conditions at Theatertreffen are not completely barrier-free, but individual solutions can be created.
I. Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Artists who are currently professionally based in Germany, Austria or Switzerland should apply directly to the Berliner Festspiele. You can find information about the application formalities in the Open Call of the Theatertreffen.
II. International artists currently professionally based in any other country should apply via the application portal (www.goethe.de/gap).
Next application deadline
30 November 2025 (23:59, CET):00
Announcement of selected fellows: late February 2026
Online preparatory meetings in March and April 2026
The International Forum will begin on the afternoon of Friday, 1 May 2026, and end on Sunday, 17 May 2026. The day of departure is Monday, 18 May 2026.
Announcement of selected fellows: late February 2026
Online preparatory meetings in March and April 2026
The International Forum will begin on the afternoon of Friday, 1 May 2026, and end on Sunday, 17 May 2026. The day of departure is Monday, 18 May 2026.
Contact
Thomas Stumpp
Dance & Theatre Division
thomas.stumpp@goethe.de Tel. +49 89 15921 342 Laura Jimenez Gonzalez
Berliner Festspiele | Theatertreffen | International Forum
internationales-forum@berlinerfestspiele.de Tel. +49 30 25489-129 / -375
Dance & Theatre Division
thomas.stumpp@goethe.de Tel. +49 89 15921 342 Laura Jimenez Gonzalez
Berliner Festspiele | Theatertreffen | International Forum
internationales-forum@berlinerfestspiele.de Tel. +49 30 25489-129 / -375
Further information
The programme
The International Forum’s programme is based on the following pillars:
- attending all performances and the accompanying programme of the 2025 Theatertreffen
- intensive workshops with artists on performing arts practise
- exclusive artist talks and events related to Theatertreffen
- discussions with the festival director and members of the Theatertreffen-jury
- exchange and networking opportunities with international theatre directors and curators in co-operation with the Goethe-Institut as well as Theatertreffen’s programmes for promoting young artists
- Excursions and other opportunities to see some performances in Berlin outside of the frame of Theatertreffen.
