The Spectrum of the Project
“The World Theatre Training Library” is a project that collects, studies, documents, preserves and creates new knowledge of theatre practice and performing traditions around the globe and gives it back to the theatre community worldwide. It contributes to the perpetuation of the volatile treasure that is Theatre – a world heritage.
“The World Theatre Training Library” will be the most comprehensive research of theatre training methods and exercises. It brings together different theatre traditions and schools. It is explicitly dedicated to further develop practical theatre work and is therefore of practical benefit.
It is an international project of cooperation between artists and scientists, cultivating international dialogue as well as supporting both intercultural and transcultural education.
The project’s mission is to strengthen cultural identity as well as to celebrate its diversity. The basis of each working step is predicated on an exchange of knowledge which is on equal footing with the aim of accumulating and developing the art of theatre.
The project consists of research travel, open workshops and seminars, the development of master programmes for theatre teachers, laboratories with professional actors and colloquia with theatre masters and scientists worldwide.
Each activity and new programme of the Institute supports the purpose of the creation of “The World Theatre Training Library”, which will be published for worldwide access in various formats.
The Contents of “The World Theatre Training Library”
“The World Theatre Training Library” contains descriptions of training methods and exercises which have their origin in different corners of the world, whatever historic, stylistic or aesthetic background they might have. It will not limit itself to certain art concepts, dogmas or hierarchies.
On this basis, “The World Theatre Training Library” proposes an all-embracing conception of Training: a tool for intercultural artistic creation and production – more, it opens the path to a Holistic Theatre.
Forms of Realisation
The World Theatre Training Institute has established a worldwide network of supporting organisations (mostly national ITI centres and leading academies/universities).
The project continuously accepts new partners to enrich the input and guarantee distribution. Different programmes and working steps pursue the three main columns of the project:
1. Collecting knowledge 2. Creating knowledge 3. Spreading knowledge
The World Theatre Training Laboratory
Laboratories are realised in different formats and dedicated to practical research based on collected knowledge brought together through research and studies all over the world. The bulk of the research is concentrated on those working methods and trainings that have proven their merit and their value in the practical work.
The research pays special attention to best-practices of innovative, experimental and interdisciplinary artists and those artists who bring together the art of drama with local performing traditions.
Furthermore, actors, directors and teachers from different cultural backgrounds develop new exercises born out of their artistic encounters. Results are to be presented in open rehearsals, demonstrations, lectures and performances and are intended to directly impact the local artists’ respective communities.
Training the Trainers
Master Classes for Theatre Teachers in several regions in various formats contribute to the development of new training exercises.
The full-scale M.A. programme Teaching Professional Theatre Practice was specially developed in cooperation with participating institutions and can be offered in different world regions.
World Theatre Training Colloquia
International groups of masters and experts critically reflect the work, evaluate the process and support its development.
Online Theatre Academy
⇒The Online Theatre Academy provides a platform for online training and investigates formats relating to the collective creation of world knowledge. It is a central tool for distribution of knowledge, communication and publication.
The project is designed as an open system and welcomes international cooperation at any stage.