Theatertreffen International Forum Fellowship 2027
The Theatertreffen International Forum Fellowship 2027 is a prestigious, fully funded exchange program for performing arts practitioners from around the world.
- Fundingtravel, accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, visa support
- Duration18 days (May 6 to 23, 2027)
- Who can applyInternational (outside Germany)
- Application feeFree to apply
Overview
The Theatertreffen International Forum Fellowship 2027 covers all major costs, including international flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, insurance, and visa support. There is no application fee and no degree requirement, making it one of the few fully funded fellowships specifically designed for working theatre and performing arts professionals.
The Theatertreffen International Forum has run for decades as one of the world’s most distinctive exchange programs in the performing arts. It takes place alongside the Berliner Festspiele’s annual Theatertreffen festival, which each year presents ten of the most remarkable productions from the German-language theatre world. International fellows join the festival as active participants, not passive guests.
The 2027 edition centers on the theme “The Art of Observation.” The program examines how attentive observation shapes creative and critical work in theatre. Fellows will attend productions, talk with artists, join workshops, and share perspectives from their home countries. The forum deliberately brings together practitioners from regions underrepresented in European theatre networks, making the exchange genuinely global.
The Goethe-Institut’s global network plays a central role in identifying candidates from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond. Past editions have hosted fellows from over 40 countries. Many alumni go on to collaborate, co-produce, and build lasting connections across borders.
What Will You Do?
During the 18-day program (May 6 to 23, 2027), fellows follow an intensive schedule alongside the Theatertreffen festival that includes:
- Attendance at multiple Theatertreffen productions at Berlin’s main venues
- Post-show discussions and artist talks with directors and ensembles
- Facilitated workshops and seminars on the year’s theme, led by invited practitioners
- Peer exchange sessions where fellows present work from their home countries
- Public roundtables and symposia open to the broader festival audience
- Networking events and gatherings with Berlin’s theatre community
Fellows are expected to be present and engaged throughout all 18 days. The schedule is intensive and designed to give participants deep access to both the festival and each other. Most alumni describe the forum as a pivotal experience in their international professional development.
At a glance
About
- Host organization
- Berliner Festspiele / Goethe-Institut
- Program duration
- 18 days (May 6 to 23, 2027)
- Location
- Berlin, Germany
Funding
- Funding
- Fully funded: travel, accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, visa support
- Application fee
- Free to apply
Eligibility
- Eligible nationalities
- International (outside Germany)
- Minimum degree required
- None (professional practitioners welcome)
- Working language
- German and English
Who can apply
The Theatertreffen International Forum Fellowship 2027 is open to theatre and performing arts practitioners from any country outside Germany. This includes directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, actors, choreographers, set designers, theatre critics, curators, festival managers, and arts educators working professionally in the performing arts sector.
There is no minimum or maximum age. You do not need a university degree. What matters is active professional engagement with theatre or performance, genuine interest in the program’s theme, and the ability to work in German or English. Applications from practitioners based in regions with limited access to European theatre networks are particularly welcome.
What you get
Selected fellows receive full support for the 18-day program at no personal cost. The Theatertreffen International Forum Fellowship 2027 provides:
- International return flights to Berlin from your home country
- Accommodation in Berlin for the full program duration
- Daily meals during program days
- A Berlin public transport pass for the duration of the fellowship
- Health and travel insurance
- Visa application support and reimbursement of visa fees where applicable
- Full accreditation to all Theatertreffen festival productions and official events
- Invitations to rehearsals, artist talks, backstage visits, and professional forums
The application is free. If selected, all costs above are covered. There are no hidden charges.
How to apply
Submit your application directly through the official open call page on the Berliner Festspiele website. The form is available in English and German. You will typically need to provide:
- A personal statement describing your artistic background and reasons for applying
- A CV or artistic biography
- A letter of recommendation from a professional colleague or institution
- Work documentation: links to productions, reviews, or publications showing your work
The Goethe-Institut in your country may also support and forward applications. Contact your local Goethe-Institut office early to check whether this option is available where you are. The portal is open now at the official Berliner Festspiele link below.
Frequently asked questions
What funding does the Theatertreffen International Forum Fellowship 2027 provide?
Who can apply?
Education: None (professional practitioners welcome)
Is there an application fee?
When is the deadline?
How do I apply?
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