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  3. About the 10 Productions

A group of people stand in front of Haus der Berliner Festspiele.

© Berliner Festspiele, photo: Fabian Schellhorn

About the 10 Productions

Each year, the 10 most remarkable productions are selected by a jury of critics from up to 600 shows within the German-language region and the viewing period. Unsolicited applications are not possible since the jury independently decides which productions they will view and possibly nominate for an invitation to Theatertreffen.

Each May, the selected productions are presented at Haus der Berliner Festspiele and other venues throughout the city. They are accompanied by Audience Talks.

Ever since the Theatertreffen’s foundation – when it was still known as “Berliner Theaterwettbewerb” (Berlin Theatre Competition) – these ten productions have been the festival’s core. An invitation to the Theatertreffen brings national recognition to the respective production teams.

With its 2020 festival edition, the Theatertreffen introduced a female quota of at least 50 percent in the position of directors for the 10 most remarkable productions. This rule will initially be observed up to and including the year 2026.

The 10 Most Remarkable Productions 2025

Yellow, blue and purple lanterns glow in a dark room.

© Berliner Festspiele, photo: Fabian Schellhorn

The ten productions invited to Theatertreffen provide a condensed insight into the German-language theatre landscape.

To the 10 most remarkable productions

Black is the New Black

by Martin Thomas Pesl

In his essay on the theatre year 2024, Theatertreffen-juror Martin Thomas Pesl looks to the past and to the future – and finds legacy issues, multiple identities, AI and even a spark of hope.

Read the essay
An open window through which the afternoon sun shines.

Theatertreffen 2019

© Eike Walkenhorst

Selection Period for the 2025 Theatertreffen

Productions that premiered between 18 January 2024 and 16 January 2025 were eligible for consideration by the jury for the 2025 Theatertreffen.

Selection Period for the 2026 Theatertreffen

Productions that premiere between 17 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 are eligible for consideration by the jury for the 2026 Theatertreffen.

Rules of Procedure

The conditions of the selection of the ten most remarkable productions to be invited are regulated by the rules of procedure.