Organizer Information
Junges Ensemble Stuttgart (JES) is one of Germany’s leading professional theaters dedicated to young audiences. Located in the heart of Stuttgart, JES serves as a vibrant cultural hub, producing its own innovative performances while hosting significant international events. Every two years, it organizes the SCHÖNE AUSSICHT / Bright View festival, a prestigious gathering that showcases ground-breaking international theater. JES is renowned for its commitment to artistic exchange, fostering dialogue between established professionals and the next generation of theater makers, and creating a safe, accessible space for diverse artistic voices.
Title & Description
NEW GENERATION RESIDENCY 2026 – "What Do We Share?"
This residency is an integral part of the 15th edition of the SCHÖNE AUSSICHT / Bright View festival. The 2026 theme, "What Do We Share?", explores levels of human interaction, community, and equality. Ten selected young artists will participate in a week-long immersion into the festival’s artistic program, which features 9 international and 8 regional performances. Residents will not only watch shows but actively reflect, discuss, and share questions with established theater makers from different continents. The experience is designed to be an intense exchange of thoughts, artistic practices, and cultural perspectives.
Categories
This residency is open to young professionals across the Performing Arts, including:
- Dramaturgy & Writing
- Directing
- Acting & Performance
- Puppetry
- Dance & Choreography
- Stage & Costume Design
- Music & Sound Design
- Theatre Education
Eligibility
- Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Profile: Young artists, students, or practitioners in the performing arts with a specific interest in theatre for young audiences.
- Inclusivity: The festival encourages applications from all backgrounds and is committed to being an accessible and safe space for everyone.
- Language: Proficiency in English is required as it is the official working language of the residency.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Festival Access: Complimentary tickets to all performances within the festival program.
- Accommodation: Provided for the duration of the festival (typically in shared rooms in a local hostel).
- Catering: Food is provided at the festival center.
- Travel Subsidy: A partial travel grant of up to €100 per person.
- Mentorship: Coordination and coaching by an experienced theater maker to facilitate discussions and networking.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with 17 different international and regional theater companies.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Application Form: A completed specific form (available on the JES website).
- Motivation/Profile: Details regarding your background in performing arts and your interest in theatre for young audiences.
- Assistance Needs: Notification of any specific assistance required for participation to ensure accessibility.
How to Apply?
Submit the completed application form via email to: festival@jes-stuttgart.de
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Residency Period: May 15 – May 21, 2026
- Festival Dates: May 15 – May 21, 2026
Location
Stuttgart, Germany
Additional Details
The residency is a collective experience; the ten selected participants will navigate the festival as a group, fostering a "New Generation" network. The festival also features "Bright Talks," excursions, and celebrations, ensuring that the residency is as much about social connection as it is about artistic professional development.