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.

A theatre group rehearsing Pexels/cottonbro

Conditions of Funding

International mid-career theatre professionals with several years of independent experience up to the age of approx. 35 years from all sectors of the Performing Arts, especially from the fields of directing, acting, set and costume design, dramaturgy, text production, music, video, performance, media, choreography, production management and theatre education.

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.

  • several years of autonomous professional experience
  • participation for the full duration of the Theatertreffen (2nd to 19th May 2024)
  • good knowledge of the English language – common working language will be English
  • Consideration of sustainability criteria in the choice of means of transport: We prefer to support rail travel, especially within Europe for travel times of up to seven hours. We assess the eligibility of additional costs compared to air fares.

Artists with a current main location of work outside the German-language countries
should apply via the Goethe-Institut responsible for their main location of work (full list of Goethe-Institutes):
  • an artistic curriculum vitae, reviews, links (to visual, sound and text media)
  • a portrait photo (minimum size: 300 dpi at approx. 500 KB)
  • two contacts of professionals who can provide us with references of your artistic work
  • where necessary a confirmation of release from the employing theatre or institution for the entire period of the International Forum (this only applies to artists in permanent employment)
  • a letter of motivation with written answers to the following questions (max. two A4-pages):
    What do you hope to gain from the exchange of ideas in the framework of the International Forum and the in-depth exploration of the invited productions? What is your interest in the German-language theatre scene?
    What are the distinguishing features of your projects or your working methods and why would an international exchange be relevant to them?
    How are socio-political developments included in your artistic practice? Which perspective would you contribute?

Please find information about the application formalities when applying from Germany, Austria or Switzerland in the Open Call of the Theatertreffen.

Artists anywhere in the world are eligible to apply. Please apply online (one pdf-document) via the competent institution for the country in which you are currently professionally based.

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 Goethe-Institut responsible for their main location of work (full list of Goethe-Institutes):

Next application deadline

January, 7th 2024

Announcement of the selected fellows: late February 2024

Online-meeting for preparation in April 2024

The Theatertreffen will take place between 2nd and 19th May 2024. The International Forum will begin on Thursday, 2nd May 2024 and end on Sunday, 19th May 2024 (day of departure: Monday, 20th May 2024).

Contact

Thomas Stumpp
Dance & Theatre Division
thomas.stumpp@goethe.de Tel. +49 89 15921 342
Anna Mariscal
Berliner Festspiele | Theatertreffen | International Forum
internationales-forum@berlinerfestspiele.de Tel. +49 30 25489-129 / -375

Further information

The programme

  • attending performances and other formats of the 2024 Theatertreffen
  • an exclusive programme of performing arts practice consisting of workshops held by experienced artists, researchers and experts, presentationsgiven by the fellows and task groups working on a range of different issues of content and aesthetics
  • a programme of performing arts theory consisting of an exchange of ideas with international theatre makers and external experts within the context of discursive events organised by Theatertreffen (presentations, reflection rounds, artist talks)
  • excursions exploring Berlin’s cultural scene, with opportunities to visit museums and other venues and see performances at various theatres in Berlin
  • networking programmes which will promote international connections, both between the artists and with cultural institutions (Work Café, Open Spaces, Goethe-Institut)

Follow us