Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now pervasive, technologies define our lives, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming the way we tell and experience stories.
At the same time, AI and digital technologies are at the forefront of global investment and policy.
Just this week, dozens of countries signed a declaration in Paris calling for AI development to be "open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy" while ensuring that technology remains sustainable for people and the planet.
While Europe is making historic investments in AI and digital transformation - with initiatives like InvestAI set to mobilise €200 billion to shape the future of artificial intelligence - the US is investing $500 billion in AI infrastructure.
And while ETC is not working with billion-euro budgets, we have over 50,000 EUR in funding available in the coming months to support Member Theatres.
Theatre is no exception to technological shifts — digital innovation is reshaping the stage, expanding creative possibilities, and inviting us to reimagine performance.
As audience expectations evolve and digital tools become integral to creative practice, theatres are invited to embrace digital innovation, enhance their productions, and future-proof their work.
► But where do you start?
ETC’s Digital Theatre Programme is destined to accompany European theatres as they navigate and experiment with new digital projects, and ensure a human-centred digital transformation.
Member Theatres will benefit from 36,000 EUR in Development Grant funding and 18,400 EUR new Travel Grants for the Learning Path, offering exciting new opportunities for theatres to explore digital innovation. (Scroll down to the end to discover the first recipients!)
The programme is supported by a pioneering partnership with the Academy for Theatre and Digitality in Dortmund in Germany, to help guide you through this process and mainstream access to digital theatre.
🚀 Discover below how to apply for the new grants and opportunities!
🔴 Your Path to Digital Theatre Starts Here
ETC Professional Development Webinar: Introduction to Digital Theatre
05 March 2025
In the first webinar of ETC’s Digital Theatre Programme, the renowned Academy for Theatre and Digitality will introduce you to a variety of digital technologies approaching the cultural field.
From video mapping and extended reality to digital live experiences, robotics, and artificial intelligence, this session will explore how these cutting-edge technologies can be integrated into theatre practice.
► Get an essential overview of digital theatre and how it can transform your work.
ETC Digital Theatre Learning & Travel Path: ACuTe Symposium Bilbao
13 - 16 May 2025
Through curated networking opportunities, ETC theatres will get the chance to meet with the creative teams of ACuTe, a trendsetting, large-scale European innovation project, who will introduce them to their groundbreaking work in bringing digital theatre to the forefront.
- 10 ETC Digital Theatre Learning and Travel Path Grants of 670 EUR each available
- Travel Dates: 13 - 16 May 2025
- Exclusive offer for ETC Member Theatres
► A unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge digital theatre innovations at Azkuna Zentroa in Bilbao, Spain.
On-Site Workshop at the Academy for Theatre and Digitality in Dortmund
02 - 03 June 2025
Ever wanted to step into a creative playground for digital theatre? This is your chance!
ETC is offering 10 grants for theatre professionals to explore, test, and experiment with cutting-edge digital tools on-site at the Academy for Theatre & Digitality in Dortmund, Germany.
In this immersive workshop, you’ll have the freedom to explore digital innovation using state-of-the-art technology in a hands-on setting.
- 10 ETC Digital Theatre Learning and Travel Path Grants of 500 EUR each available
- Travel dates: 02-03 June 2025
- Exclusive offer for ETC Member Theatres
► Ready for a deep dive into the tools and techniques shaping the future of performance?
Outlook
What's Next in ETC's Digital Theatre Programme
🎉We are thrilled to announce the first recipients of the ETC Research & Development Sprint as part of our Digital Theatre Programme:
🏆 ETC Members Théâtre de Liège & Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg are joining forces for 'Toutes les beautés du monde' by the .jpeg collective: a six-character play that questions the evolution of entertainment and our relationship with living things in the age of digital technology.
► The next round of digital theatre development grants will be launched at the ETC International Theatre Conference in Athens (03–07 April 2025).
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽The Conference will feature a dedicated session to help ETC Member Theatre connect, collaborate, and form partnerships for future projects (Friday 04 April, 16:00: Partner up! ETC Connection Hub)
►There's more to come: This spring, we will also launch 10 ETC Digital Theatre Learning & Travel Path grants (670 EUR each) for the Ars Electronica Festival for Art, Technology and Society in Linz, Austria (03-07 September 2025).
As digital transformation accelerates, ETC’s Digital Theatre Programme continues to expand, offering new pathways to experimentation, collaboration, and learning.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming calls and grants—your next digital theatre opportunity might be just around the corner!
