Germany’s performing arts world can be a bit confusing at first. What’s the difference between the Freie Szene (Independent Scene) and the Stadt- und Staatstheater (City and State Theatres)? What are the respective characteristics of both work spheres?  And how can artists, producers and other cultural professionals gain a foothold in either one or both? 

Our one-day workshop and networking event is here to help! It’s designed for transnational artists who are looking for some orientation—whether you’ve just arrived in Berlin or Germany and are starting to find your way, or you’ve been here for a while and want to better understand how things work and connect with others in the field.   

When: December 8th, 2025 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Media Library of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) and Project space at Kreuzberger Bethanien, Mariannenplatz 2, 10997 Berlin

By: touring artists, Performing Arts Programm and ensemble netzwerk

Please use this link for your registration. 

NEWCOMER Performing Arts Professionals:

For many artists who have recently arrived, it can be challenging to find your footing. It’s not always clear which of the two main systems — the Freie Szene (Independent Scene) or the Stadt- und Staatstheater (City and State Theatres) — might fit best with your artistic practice. Sometimes, a mix of both worlds might even be possible! 

In the morning session, we’ll take a closer look at how the Freie Szene (Independent Performing Arts Scene) works - what makes it independent, and what does it have to offer? Are there specific opportunities for transnational artists arriving in Berlin? (Spoiler alert: Yes, there are!) How does the funding system work, and how can you apply for it? What are the necessary steps to take and which partners do you need? What venues are suitable for Newcomers' projects? What are the bureaucratic basics to know, and how do you navigate the paperwork and the responsibilites that come with freelancing? And most importantly — is there any way to make a living within this system? 

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Stadt- und Staatstheater landscape — how to access it, build your network, and understand its working conditions and everyday routines. We’ll also look at what opportunities exist beyond Berlin and how you might connect with theatres across Germany. 

DEVELOPING Performing Arts Professionals:

For artists who have already been in Germany for a while, it can still be challenging to build something sustainable. How do you create long-term networks and opportunities? What helps when dealing with ongoing bureaucratic tasks and finding an effective way of working? 

In the morning session, we’ll focus on the Stadt- und Staatstheater system. What can you do to secure long-term collaborations? How can you grow and strengthen your professional network within this structure? 

In the afternoon session, we'll turn to the Freie Szene (Independent Performing Arts Scene) and explore how we can sustain our artistic work in the long run. For this purpose, we'll look at Berlin funding opportunities for established artists and beyond at federal and European funding opportunities. We will explore nationwide festivals, showcase formats and other opportunities that allow us to present our work in and beyond Berlin. We will look at how we can navigate our everyday artistic lives with resilience, what secondary sources of income might provide us with financial security and enable us to meet our visa requirements, and what networks, collaborations and partnerships are needed to gradually establish ourselves and our work. 

10.00-10.30 a.m. Arrival / Check-In

10.30-10.50 a.m. Welcome by the organisors 
at the ITI Media Library 

11.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
NEWCOMER: Spotlight 'Freie Szene' 
at the ITI Media Library 

DEVELOPING: Spotlight 'Stadt- und Staatstheater'  
at Bethanien's project space

1.00 - 2.00 p.m.
Lunch Break 
at ITI 

2.00-4.00 p.m.
NEWCOMER: Spotlight 'Stadt- und Staatstheater' 
at the ITI Media Library 

DEVELOPING: Spotlight 'Freie Szene'  
at Bethanien's project space

4.00-5.00 p.m.
Open Networking and Informal Closing 
at ITI

If you have any questions or feedback about the programme, please send an email to: info@touring-artists.info