Organizer Information
The European Theatre Convention (ETC) is one of the largest networks of public theatres in Europe, bringing together leading institutions to foster international collaboration, artistic exchange, and innovation in contemporary theatre. Through long-running initiatives focused on youth theatre, dramaturgy, and cross-border creative development, ETC supports experimental formats that connect artists, educators, and young audiences across Europe.
The Young Europe V: Life Stories programme is part of ETC’s flagship initiative dedicated to youth theatre and new writing. It emphasizes educational theatre as a tool for social reflection, especially within classroom contexts. By integrating playwrights, dramaturgs, and educational teams from multiple European countries, the programme promotes a collaborative model of theatre-making rooted in care, accessibility, and intercultural dialogue.
Title & Description
Young Europe V: Artist in Residence Programme (2026–2027)
This international Residency programme invites freelance and emerging theatre professionals to join production and education teams within participating European public theatres. The initiative is part of the broader Young Europe V project, which develops new youth theatre works designed for classroom and educational settings.
Selected participants will be placed in one of two host theatres and will actively contribute to the rehearsal process, educational programming, and school-based outreach activities connected to a new touring classroom play. The residency offers hands-on professional experience within institutional theatre structures, allowing participants to observe, contribute to, and learn from European production ecosystems.
The programme is not employment-based; instead, it functions as a scholarship-driven Residency that supports international cooperation, artistic exchange, and professional development in theatre-making and education. Participants will work closely with directors, dramaturgs, and theatre pedagogues, gaining insight into both artistic creation and audience engagement strategies within youth theatre contexts.
The two available placements are:
- Cyprus Theatre Organisation (Nicosia, Cyprus)
- Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe, Germany)
Each placement focuses on a distinct production for young audiences, addressing themes such as empathy, identity, embodiment, language, and care. Participants will contribute to educational outreach formats, school visits, and performance-based learning activities.
Categories
- Theatre
- Performance
- Writing / Playwriting
- Education
- Curatorial (Theatre Education)
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Youth Theatre
- Literature (Dramaturgy / New Writing)
Eligibility
- Open to freelance and emerging theatre professionals
- Early-career artists, including recent graduates, are encouraged to apply
- Applicants should demonstrate interest in youth theatre and educational performance formats
- Depending on placement:
- Cyprus' role requires theatre pedagogy expertise and fluency in Greek and English
- Germany's role requires assistant directing experience, interest in queer discourse, and anti-discrimination practice
- Basic to intermediate English required for all applicants
- German language is optional but beneficial for the Karlsruhe placement
- Applicants must be available for the full residency duration (6 weeks or 40 days, depending on placement)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully supported Residency placement in a European public theatre
- Travel grant up to €400
- Accommodation provided by the host theatre
- Daily subsistence allowance (per diem up to 42 days depending on placement)
- Additional €500 financial contribution from host theatre (placement-specific)
- Direct involvement in professional theatre production processes
- Participation in educational outreach and school-based performance programmes
- Mentorship and collaboration with directors, dramaturgs, and education teams
- Exposure to international theatre networks through ETC programmes
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV / artistic biography
- Motivation letter outlining interest in youth theatre and educational performance
- Relevant experience in theatre-making, pedagogy, or assistant directing
- Portfolio or supporting materials (if applicable)
- Language competency evidence (depending on placement requirements)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 June 2026
- Residency Period:
- Cyprus Placement: 25 January 2027 – 25 April 2027 (up to 6 weeks within the period)
- Germany Placement: 11 November 2026 – 20 December 2026 (40 days)
Location
- Nicosia, Cyprus
- Karlsruhe, Germany
Additional Details
This Residency is embedded within a long-term European youth theatre initiative focused on developing classroom-based performances. The productions explore themes of care, identity, embodiment, language, and social awareness through accessible storytelling formats for teenage audiences.
Participants will not only observe but actively integrate into production teams, particularly in educational outreach roles involving school visits and participatory theatre formats. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between theatre creation and pedagogy, making it particularly relevant for practitioners working at the intersection of performance and education.
The initiative also contributes to ETC’s broader mission of fostering inclusive, socially engaged theatre practices across Europe, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement and cultural exchange.