Open call: Shadowing programme for young theatre professionals

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to:

• Theatre professionals based outside Germany and under the age of 40.
• Directors, dramaturgs, and stage designers working in musical theatre, drama, performance, children’s and youth theatre, or puppetry.
• Choreographers.
• Artists specialising in lighting design, video, or technical theatre.

Priority will be given to applicants from transition countries, including those in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

What the programme offers

The Goethe-Institut offers selected theatre professionals the chance to gain first-hand experience by observing the planning, rehearsal, and staging of at least one production at a German theatre or production house. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend additional performances at other venues.

The grant includes:

• A monthly stipend of €1 200 (about $1 300) for accommodation and living expenses.
• Coverage of return travel costs to Germany.
• Accident and health insurance for the duration of the stay.
• An additional allowance of up to €300 to cover local travel and admission fees to other theatrical performances in Germany.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Applicants should ideally:

• Have a working knowledge of the German language, enabling them to follow rehearsals, interact professionally with local colleagues, and navigate daily life independently.
• Be familiar with the German theatre landscape and the works of German dramatic literature. Support in gaining this knowledge is available through Goethe-Institut libraries and media centres.
• Demonstrate a clear intention to return to their home country upon completion of the internship, with the aim of sharing the knowledge and experience gained as a “multiplier” within their own theatre community.
• Consider sustainability in travel planning. For journeys under seven hours or 600km, rail travel is preferred. The Goethe-Institut will assess whether additional costs incurred by choosing rail over air travel are eligible for funding.

Required documents

• Application forms are available at Goethe-Instituts around the world.

Application process

Applicants can apply for this grant at the local contact persons of a Goethe-Institut. Applications should be received at least three months – or five months if sent between March and August (due to the theatre holidays) – before the start of the shadowing programme you’re applying.

View the original call here.