Open Call 2026

Theatertreffen in Berlin is considered to be the most important presentation platform of German-language theatre. At its core are the 10 most remarkable productions of a season, selected by an independent jury of critics from among up to 600 productions. Since 2005, aspiring arts journalists have been invited to the Theatertreffen-Blog, a 17-day scholarship programme during the festival. They accompany Theatertreffen with their critical coverage under the guidance of experienced journalists.

The 2026 Theatertreffen-Blog, once again headed conceptually and editorially by Grete Götze from Frankfurt am Main and with the cooperation of Frieda Ahrens from Bremen, sees itself as an editorial workshop where theatre and arts journalism can be tried out in the context of an ongoing festival. It intends to promote emerging journalists at the beginning of their career and aims to grant access to the world of culture and the media to a wide range of voices.

The Open Call of Theatertreffen-Blog is aimed at aspiring arts journalists with a strong interest in theatre who would like to critically reflect 2026 Theatertreffen. Coverage will mostly include text forms but is open to audio and social media formats. A pronounced interest in arts journalism and the festival’s programme is more important than an academic background or experience in journalism. The 10 most remarkable productions and the additional festival programme are to be explored from various perspectives and issues of cultural politics will be reflected. There is also the opportunity to conduct interviews and conversations with well-known artists, including directors and actors, for Theatertreffen-Blog. Networking with industry experts, with the Theatertreffen-jury as well as with fellows of the International Forum and participants of the format Open Campus is another essential component of the programme.

Requirements for participation are the willingness to conduct in-depth journalistic work and view the 10 most remarkable productions, a proven interest in theatre and ability to attend the festival in Berlin for its entire duration with unrestricted availability. The working language is German.

The scholarship includes accommodation and travelling expenses for fellows not resident in Berlin, attendance at festival events and networking meetings as well as an expense allowance. The bloggers’ work will be published on Theatertreffen-Blog’s website and Instagram channel.

Not all relevant areas of work are barrier-free. We always look for the best possible solutions for individual requirements. Please do not hesitate to ask us about this issue in advance.

The2026 Open Call as a pdf file (127 KB)