Berlin Theatertreffen 2027

The Berlin Theatre Festival at a glance

The German-speaking theatre scene looks forward to the Berlin Theatre Festival all year round. The festival offers young theatre talent, in particular, a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills: each year, a jury selects 10 outstanding productions from up to 600 submissions from the German-speaking world. These plays are then performed in Berlin in May.

Alongside the exciting performances, there is a varied supporting programme featuring talks, readings and panel discussions. During the ‘night-time talks’, those involved in the 10 selected productions discuss the creative process behind their productions in front of an audience and engage with the audience on social, thematic and aesthetic aspects of the theatrical arts. The talks with artists and experts, in particular, offer you a unique insight into the world of German theatre.

What makes the Berlin Theatre Festival so special

• International Forum: The International Forum is the Berliner Theatertreffen’s platform, created specifically for international exchange. Every year, countless artists from every continent are invited to Berlin to rethink theatre together.

• ‘Burning Issues’ conference series: This informative series of discussions focuses entirely on the current challenges facing the theatre and cultural sectors – in other words, hot topics.

• Site-specific performances: As part of the Theatertreffen, so-called site-specific performances take place regularly across Berlin. In these, the play is perfectly tailored to the venue where it is performed – Berlin becomes a theatre stage.

• Collective theatre forms: The Berlin Theatertreffen promotes collective theatre. This is because productions developed by a collective are increasingly making their way onto the stage. Above all, the discussions that follow offer deep insights into complex social dynamics and negotiation processes.

• Award ceremonies: Every year at the Berlin Theatertreffen, several prizes are awarded by rotating juries. These include the Berlin Theatre Prize for outstanding achievements, the Alfred Kerr Acting Prize for exceptional performances by emerging actors and actresses, and the 3sat Prize for innovative artistic achievements.

The history of the Berlin Theatre Festival

At the heart of the Berlin Theatertreffen lies the selection and presentation of ten outstanding new productions – and this has been the case since 1964, when the festival was still known as the Berlin Theatre Competition. The aim at that time was to bring German-speaking theatre scenes together. This concept remains valid to this day and has since expanded to encompass the whole world. Global social developments have become an important part of the festival programme – because, in order to reflect society, theatre must always have its finger on the pulse of the times.

Our tips for your visit to the Berliner Theatertreffen

• Book your tickets early: the 10 selected productions are the highlight of the Theatertreffen and therefore sell out quickly. So it’s best to book your tickets sooner rather than later.

• During the day, the Theatertreffen Camp offers free public events. Here you can discuss current issues with guests from the worlds of culture, politics and business.

• Don’t miss the evening events and parties: after the performances, premiere parties and concerts invite you to linger. These are perfect opportunities to network and enjoy the festival’s special atmosphere.

The programme for 2027 and further information will follow once announced.