Short Description
For the 2026/27 season, we are once again looking for ideas for productions, collaborations, and events to be realized by applicants at and with Theaterhaus Jena and included in the season program.
We do not impose any thematic restrictions on project ideas. As inspiration and a guiding framework for the work at Theaterhaus, we refer to the MANIFEST 2025, which is available on our website.
We welcome a diversity of artistic expressions and content that take up and expand on the Theaterhaus’ existing work and structures. We are looking for strong artistic ideas, perspectives, and approaches that open pathways to collaboration. Submissions can come from various artistic disciplines, include concepts for formats and events, texts, research projects, and proposals for collaborations that can take place both inside and outside of the Theaterhaus. We explicitly welcome smaller formats that embrace experimental production methods and that may unfold beyond the traditional stage space.
Submitted concepts must be anonymized. This ensures equal opportunities and especially encourages non-established artists to apply. Previous theater work is not a requirement. Production budgets and fees will be discussed transparently with applicants based on the Theaterhaus’ overall budget.
We explicitly support and prioritize applications that represent perspectives and artistic backgrounds systematically overlooked in theater institutions. At least two of the projects selected through this call and produced at Theaterhaus in the 2026/27 season will be realized by artists who identify as BIPoC, or by teams primarily consisting of BIPoC artists.
Evaluation Criteria
We strive for a transparent application process. Therefore, we provide our evaluation criteria to applicants. To preserve applicants’ anonymity and ensure a fair selection process, no questions can be answered during the first round.
We evaluate a project idea based on:
- Why is the idea important to the applicants? (Motivation)
- How will the idea be conceptually implemented? (Vision)
- Why must the idea be realized at Theaterhaus? (Connection)
- Which perspectives does the idea include, and which does it exclude? (Inclusion)
- Which social discourses does the idea engage with? (Relevance)
In terms of artistic and technical implementation, we assess the projects’ potential by asking:
- What form can the project take outside of the theater space? (Eventfulness)
- What and whom can the project reach? (Resonance)
- How, and through which means, will the project be experienced? (Sensuality)
- What can the project achieve individually and socially? (Change)
Finally, from the first concept discussion to the final performance, we pay attention to:
- How is the production shaped to be sustainable both humanely and materially? (Production Conditions)
- How is the production opened, communicated, kept transparent, and conceived together with and for its audience? (Mediation)
Application Process
The call is divided into three rounds:
1st Round
In the first round, the submitted and anonymized concepts are reviewed by a commission made up of members of the Artistic Directors, the Ensemble, the Technical Departments, as well as representatives of other regional institutions.
Before proceeding to the second round, a first selection of applications will be de-anonymized. Applications from artists who identify as BIPoC, or from teams primarily made up of BIPoC artists, will be prioritized.
2nd Round
The concepts selected for the second round will be assessed for feasibility and further developed together with the technical departments.
In January 2026, applicants will present their concepts to a selection commission. The jury will consist of the Artistic Directors, elected staff members of the house, and external experts.
3rd Round
The selected concepts will be discussed by all staff members in the absence of the applicants. The final decision will be made democratically by all staff members.
Submission Requirements
Two separate PDF files must be submitted:
- The first file (max. 3 pages) should contain the project idea presentation. The design of these pages is up to the applicants. This document must be anonymized and must not include any information that could identify the applicants. Insufficiently anonymized applications will not be considered. This file should be named “THJ_KONZEPT.”
- The second file (max. 1 page) should contain the contact details and short CVs of all persons involved in the application. Please indicate one responsible contact person for the project. This file should be named “THJ_KONTAKT.”
How to Apply
Both files must be sent via email to bewerbung26-27@theaterhaus-jena.de
Entry Fee
None
Location
Jena, Germany
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 23 November 2025
Website Link: https://www.theaterhaus-jena.de/en/news
