Direction

Aesthetic, philosophical, social questions are worked through practically and theoretically on the basis of given texts as well as free scenic exercises. Trying things out and thinking about them must always be related to each other. In this process, perceptiveness and mental agility are developed, as well as the ability to structure and promote scenic events and work processes. The examination of texts is not done abstractly and theoretically, it is related to space, body and movement as the basic elements of play/acting .

What problems actors have when working on the role, how intentions are conveyed, what can be done to acquire leadership, conflict and dialogue skills, this is learned in rehearsal work with acting students. Likewise, independence, patience and perseverance as indispensable virtues of directors. In addition, the intensive and pleasurable examination of questions of time is to be advanced in dialogue.

Theatre practice at the Thomas Bernhard Institute is characterized by the close collaboration between acting and directing students. After completing a foundation year together, joint theatre work forms the core of the curriculum. The projects taking place each semester cover a broad spectrum of contemporary theatre forms. In addition to staging dramatic texts, students also learn working methods from the fields of theatre for young audiences, as well as research-based and documentary project work. The program is completed by additional workshops, in e.g.  radio play directing, songwriting and music theatre. Artistic projects are supervised by lecturers of the Thomas Bernhard Institute as well as experienced guest lecturers from various areas of theatre practice. Students have access to the institute's own theatre in the Kunstquartier (TIKQ) as well as other rehearsal- and workspaces. In addition, there are regular collaborations with Austrian and international cultural institutions, such as the Salzburg Festival, ARGE Kultur, the State Theatre in Oldenburg and the Ruhrtriennale in Bochum.

The study program is divided into a basic and a main study. In the basic classes (1st semester), acting and directing students learn the basics of acting and improvisation together. The focus is on the fun exploration and development of individual playful possibilities.

In the main course of study, future directors receive comprehensive training in theater theory and scenic practice. This includes intensive study of historical and contemporary theater texts, philosophy, sociology, politics, literature and art history, as well as the development of practical skills to creatively manage rehearsal processes. In addition to a wide range of classes (directing, dramaturgy, space, lighting, stagecraft, costuming, etc.), they develop their own scenes and study projects with the acting students. Workshops complement and deepen the work. The studies are concluded with a diploma production.

Link to semester schedule (1st semester)

A special concern of the Department of Acting, Directing & Applied Theatre is to further develop the study program in constant exchange with current stage and performance practice.

NOTE: The start of studies is only possible in the summer semester.