Berliner Festspiele / International Forum of Theatertreffen
Theatertreffen 2027 Fellowship is a residency offered by Berliner Festspiele / International Forum of Theatertreffen (open internationally). Applications close on 26 November 2026. Funding or payment: Fully funded (travel, accommodation, meals, insurance, visa fees covered). It is free to enter.
Fully funded 18-day fellowship in Berlin (May 6–23, 2027) for approximately 30 emerging theatre and performance artists worldwide. Includes travel, accommodation, meals, workshops, festival access, and artistic exchange with international practitioners.
About the Fellowship
An 18-day international fellowship organised by Berliner Festspiele as part of Theatertreffen, one of the world's leading theatre festivals. Approximately 30 emerging theatre and performance artists from around the world participate in artistic exchange, intensive workshops, performances, discussions, and collaborative research.
Who Can Apply
Theatre and performing arts practitioners worldwide at an early stage of their professional careers. Applicants should generally have approximately five years of professional experience and be between approximately 25 and 35 years old. Eligible disciplines include directing, acting, stage design, costume design, dramaturgy, writing, music, video, performance, choreography, and theatre education. Good to very good English proficiency required. Collectives may apply, though only one individual per collective can participate. Applicants must be available for the complete program and online preparation meetings.
What Is Offered
Festival tickets to Theatertreffen productions, intensive artistic workshops, artist talks with festival leadership and jury, excursions, and program participation. For participants living outside Berlin: travel expenses (based on cheapest option), shared accommodation with separate bedrooms, meals or daily allowance, local public transportation, travel and health insurance, and visa fees (supported by the Goethe-Institut).
2027 Theme
The Art of Observation—examining watching as a creative process within theatre practice. Participants investigate how practitioners across disciplines observe theatrical events through different professional and cultural perspectives.
How to Apply
Submit a photograph representing your perspective on contemporary theatre and a motivation letter addressing your current artistic concerns, a remarkable production you have experienced, and how you watch a performance. Selection considers artistic approaches, geographic diversity, and connections to the program theme.
Timeline
Online preparation meetings: March–April 2027. Program: May 6–23, 2027. Departure: May 24, 2027.
