Next generation of theatre-makers
ETC's NEXT THEATRE GENERATION PROGRAMME
By connecting 3 long-standing ETC activities, we aim to accelerate the entry of young talents and theatre professionals into the European Theatre market.
These are the European Theatre Academy of masterclasses at the Festival d’Avignon; the ETC Alumni Network of former participants in ETC activities; and the Professional Development programme of webinars, talks and workshops.
ETC's Next Theatre Generation programme is supported by a collaboration with Fast Forward Festival at Staatschaupsiel Dresden/Germany, and the TRANSMISSION programme of Théâtre National de Bretagne (TNB) in Rennes/France, and Oulu University of Applied Sciences in Oulu/Finland.
6-10 July 2026
Open Call: European Theatre Academy 2026
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 12th edition of our European Theatre Academy, taking place from 06-10 July 2026 at the Festival d'Avignon. Designed for ambitious theatre-makers working internationally, the programme features masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.
The call is open to theatre professionals who are at the early stages of their careers, and who have already had various experiences in the field, with potential and ambition to grow internationally. Profiles of the selected participants may vary depending on their interests and experiences.
The call is open to applicants:
- From all ETC member theatres
- From independent theatre professionals residing in the following countries: Ireland, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Applications from theatre directors, managers and administrators, producers and touring managers, dramaturgs, international relations managers, or personal assistants, from independent companies and institutional theatres are welcome.
Learn more and apply by 29 April 2026
17-22 November 2025
TRANSMISSION at Festival TNB
We had the opportunity to support five talented young artists at the Transmission programme during Festival TNB 2025, through our ETC Next Theatre Generation scholarships.
At the heart of the Festival TNB by Théâtre National de Bretagne, the TRANSMISSION programme is an opportunity to meet, connect and train, dedicated to young French and foreign artists who are still undergoing training or starting their professional career.
Say hello to our 2025 scholars:
- Daniele Capitani (Italy)
- Maří-Magdalena Fotrová (Czech Republic)
- Ana-Maria Lutenco (Romania)
- Margherita Russo (Italy)
- Lara-Marie Weine (Germany)
13-16 November 2025
Fast Forward Festival Forum at Staatschauspiel Dresden
We were thrilled to support ETC scholars at the Fast Forward Festival Forum 2025 at Staatsschauspiel Dresden through our Next Theatre Generation programme.
Over four vibrant days (13-16 November 2025), the Forum formed a working group made up of students, young artists and experienced theatre professionals, who discussed as equals current and prospective questions about working in theatre in Europe.
The participants for this year’s Forum were brought together from a total of 12 ETC member theatres, offering them a special chance to meet Europe’s next generation of theatre-makers.
Alumni Network
Alumni Network Next Online Meeting
The ETC Alumni Network includes over 200 artists and theatre-makers who have participated in ETC programmes over the past years, especially the Artists in Residence programme and the European Theatre Academy.
The ETC Alumni Network is a dedicated space for direct exchange between alumni and with ETC, to keep contact, exchange information and opportunities, ask questions and share recommendations.
The next online meeting will be held on:
Wednesday 10 December 2025, from 16:00-17:30 CET
To pitch a project during the next alumni network meeting, kindly contact Žad Novak, ETC Project Management and Administration Assistant: assistant@europeantheatre.eu
Pitches should be a maximum of 5 minutes long.
Deadline: Tuesday 09 December 2025, 13:00 CET.
European Theatre Academy
The 11th edition of ETC's European Theatre Academy at Festival d'Avignon
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 11th edition of our European Theatre Academy, taking place from 07- 11 July 2025 at the Festival d'Avignon. Designed for ambitious theatre-makers working internationally, the programme features masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.
The Academy is an opportunity to dive deep into the complexities of producing and managing international theatre collaborations. This is your chance to work on your own project with expert mentors and join a vibrant community of creative, driven individuals who are passionate about the performing arts and want to make a difference.
Fast Forward Festival Forum 2025
Fast Forward Festival Forum 2025 at ETC Member Theatre Staatsschauspiel Dresden from 13–16 November
Since 2024, the Fast Forward Festival Forum is part of the ETC’s NEXT GENERATION PROGRAMME.
The core idea of the Fast Forward Festival Forum is to form a 4-day working group of students, young graduates and theatre professionals who map and discuss on eye level the current and future issues of the theatre sector.
Furthermore, the group will watch the performances shown at Fast Forward festival and meet their artistic teams in order to discuss and learn more about the artistic, structural and cultural backgrounds in the different European countries.
Every year Forum’s group shall be formed by and together with 10 ETC Member Theatres.
TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION at ETC Member Théâtre National de Bretagne from 17 - 22 November 2025
Call for participants!
Through our Next Theatre Generation programme, we're excited to support TRANSMISSION - an opportunity to meet, connect and train, dedicated to young French and foreign artists who are still undergoing training or starting their professional career.
TRANSMISSION will take place at the TNB Drama School (Rennes, France) from 17 - 22 November 2025, with a selection of up to 15 students.
