Supporting emerging theatre professionals with masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.

The European Theatre Academy is a four-day seminar of masterclasses and workshops at Festival d'Avignon, on the development and management of international theatre collaborations. It is designed for theatre professionals at the beginning of their careers, with the ambition to grow internationally.

The Academy is an opportunity to dive deep into the complexities of curating and managing international theatre collaborations, and to work on your own project with expert mentors within a vibrant community of creative, driven individuals who are pushing boundaries in the theatre world.

• Masterclasses & Expert Sessions: You’ll gain access to practical insights on funding, production, sustainability, touring, and much more, all geared towards navigating the international theatre landscape. 
• Tailored Mentorship: You’ll receive direct support from three incredible mentors who will help you develop your project idea, address your challenges, and find solutions to the key questions you face as a theatre professional. 
• Project Development: This Academy isn’t just about learning – it’s about doing. Through group work and coaching, you’ll have the space to focus on the practical realities of your own project and its international potential. 
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with young theatre professionals from across Europe, share experiences, and build meaningful, lasting connections in the industry. 
  Festival D’Avignon: Immerse yourself in the energy of the Festival d’Avignon. Attend performances, engage in discussions, and bring new perspectives back to your own work. 
• Creative & Practical Support: We will help you navigate both the artistic and administrative challenges of your project. Together, we’ll find ways to help you bring your vision to life in an international context. 

For any questions, please contact ETC Project Management and Administration Officer Žad Novak: znovak@europeantheatre.eu 

2026 Edition

The 12th edition of the European Theatre Academy took place at the heart of Europe's largest theatre festival, Festival d'Avignon, from 6-10 July 2026.
This edition welcomed 15 participants hailing from 12 countries.
They were supported by the following mentors and speakers:

• Rui Catarino - President of the Executive Board of Teatro Nacional D. Maria II and Lecturer in Arts Management at Lisbon Theatre and Film School (Lisbon/Portugal)
• Herman Croux - Lawyer specialised in Intellectual Property, Information Technology & Media at MVVP (Brussels/Belgium)
• Paulien Geerlings - Artistic Lead of Young Europe V, ETC Board Member and Head Dramaturge at de Toneelmakerij (Amsterdam/The Netherlands)
• Dubravka Vrgoč - General Manager & Artistic Director of Croatian National Theatre Ivan Zajc in Rijeka (Rijeka/Croatia)
• Tom Leick-Burns - ETC Secretary and Artistic Director & General Manager of Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg (Luxembourg/Luxembourg)
• Laura Gardes - ETC Project & Network Manager (Berlin/Germany)

^{Photo: FCK LOLITA scènefoto HZT, Sofie Knijff}