Organizer Information
HER STAGE LaB is an independent professional theatre laboratory developed and led by a female artistic duo, with artistic direction by Juliana Berezhnaya in collaboration with TEATR FORMA. The initiative focuses on creating professional theatrical spaces shaped through a female perspective, encouraging women to develop their artistic voices through intensive training, collaborative creation, and performance. The program combines actor training, movement practice, dramaturgical exploration, ensemble work, and stage performance while emphasizing female narratives and representation in contemporary theatre.
The laboratory is built around a female-centered reinterpretation of 8 Women by Robert Thomas, adapted and rewritten by Juliana Berezhnaya. Through this framework, participants engage in a creative process that explores character development, emotional authenticity, collective creation, and theatrical experimentation. HER STAGE LaB seeks to support women at different stages of their artistic journeys, from beginners discovering theatre for the first time to experienced performers ready to participate in a professional production.
Title & Description
HER STAGE LaB – Female Gaze Theatre Laboratory 2026
HER STAGE LaB is a three-week intensive theatre laboratory designed specifically for women interested in acting, performance, and creative theatre-making. Taking place in Amsterdam during July 2026, the program offers participants the opportunity to train, rehearse, create, and perform within a supportive female-led artistic environment.
The laboratory is based on a contemporary adaptation of 8 Women by Robert Thomas and provides participants with practical training in acting techniques, movement, voice work, ensemble collaboration, dramaturgy, and stage presence. The program encourages participants to develop confidence, artistic expression, and professional performance skills while engaging with powerful female narratives.
The laboratory is divided into three participation tracks:
- Exploration Track – for beginners and emerging female creatives.
- Showcase Track – for women seeking rehearsal and stage experience.
- Performance Track – a selective casting-based opportunity for experienced performers participating in a full theatrical production.
Participants will work closely with mentors and directors throughout the creative process and may present their work publicly during the HER STAGE Festival.
Categories
- Theatre
- Acting
- Performing Arts
- Movement Practice
- Voice Training
- Dramaturgy
- Stage Performance
- Ensemble Creation
- Contemporary Theatre
- Female-Led Artistic Practice
Eligibility
Applicants must identify as female and fit the requirements of one of the available tracks.
Exploration Track
- Open to women with little or no acting experience.
- Suitable for beginners and emerging creatives.
- Limited to 8 participants.
Showcase Track
- Open to female creative enthusiasts seeking stage experience.
- Previous experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Limited to 8 participants.
Performance Track
- Open to experienced female performers and actresses.
- Participants are selected through a casting process.
- Applicants of all ages, backgrounds, and performance types are encouraged to apply.
- Limited to 4 performers.
The opportunity welcomes applicants interested in exploring artistic expression through a female perspective and collaborative theatre-making.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Intensive professional theatre training.
- Acting coaching and mentorship.
- Movement and voice development sessions.
- Character-building and dramaturgical analysis.
- Ensemble-based rehearsal experience.
- Opportunities to perform before an audience.
- Participation in a female-led artistic environment.
- Professional guidance from theatre practitioners.
- Access to performance preparation and stagecraft training.
- Networking opportunities with fellow artists and theatre professionals.
Exploration Track
- Introduction to professional acting methods.
- Training in monologues, scenes, and stage presence.
- Foundational understanding of rehearsal processes.
Showcase Track
- Detailed role development.
- Scene rehearsals and performance preparation.
- Participation in an adapted public presentation of 8 Women.
Performance Track
- Participation in the full production of 8 Women.
- Performance during the HER STAGE Festival.
- Collaboration with guest artists from TEATR FORMA.
- Potential future collaboration opportunities with TEATR FORMA.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Personal information.
- Contact details.
- Artistic background and experience.
- Information relevant to the selected track.
- Motivation for participation.
- Acting experience (for Showcase and Performance Tracks).
- Materials requested during the casting process (for Performance Track applicants).
Additional documents or media materials may be requested by the organizers depending on the selected track.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 June 2026
- Program Dates: 13 July – 31 July 2026
- HER STAGE Festival & Production Period: 1 August – 8 August 2026
- Online Information Session
- Date: 7 June 2026
- Time: 13:00
- Format: Google Meet
- Registration Required
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Additional Details
- The laboratory is intentionally designed through a female artistic perspective.
- The program emphasizes female representation and creative empowerment.
- Participants engage with a contemporary adaptation of 8 Women by Robert Thomas.
- The Performance Track operates through a professional casting process.
- Applicants do not need to apply for a specific role or character in advance.
- The organizers encourage performers to approach the process with openness, trust, and creative curiosity.
- Alternative participation options may be offered to applicants who are not selected for the Performance Track.
- The program promotes artistic experimentation, collaboration, emotional truth, and ensemble-based theatre practice.
- Places are highly limited across all tracks, making early application strongly recommended.