Acting
Acting
Thomas Bernhard Institute
© PJS
The Thomas Bernhard Institute at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg is one of Austria's most renowned and innovative places to study contemporary theatre practice.
Paris-Lodron-Straße 9
5020 Salzburg
Graduating Classes:
www.thomasbernhardinstitut.at
Three study programmes are offered at the Thomas Bernhard Institute: Acting, Directing and Applied Theatre. All three programmes include a comprehensive range of practical and theoretical subjects, all centred around project based artistic work. Students therefore learn essential technical skills in a real life context, as well as continually refining their reflective capabilities. Right from the outset, our students are free to develop their own artistic practice.
The three programmes encourage an understanding of theatre from different perspectives. Independent performance practice and research projects are just as much part of the studies at Thomas Bernhard Institute as the exploration of the dramatic repertoire, performative interventions in public space and lectures on recent political struggles. Transcultural cooperation and international exchange play an important role in the study programmes at theThomas Bernhard Institute and the department frequently co-operates with international partner institutions such as the Free SZFE Budapest and the E:UTSA network.
As a place of public assembly, theatre maintains strong ties to social reality. The work of the Thomas Bernhard Institute reflects this in both the rehearsal process and the academic debate, constantly addressing issues such as the responsibility and the function of theatre, care for oneself and for each other, recognition of difference and mutual appreciation, the distribution of resources and how to negotiate topics of diversity. Critical awareness and social, political and ecological problems build the common ground for artistic work at the Thomas Bernhard Institute.
Courses
At a glance
16
Productions per year
3
Venues
9
Rehearsal rooms
20
Graduates annually
Events
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11.9.—12.9.2026Applied TheatreQueen of the Night: An Archive of Salzburg's Club Culture“Archive of Ecstasy” tells the story from the perspective of people involved in Salzburg’s club culture. But what exactly is this club culture? The theatrical performance depicts intoxicating ecstasy and escapism, but also addresses closing times, unpaid labor, and the constant shortage of venues. Final projekt Applied Theatre of Sophie Leon Pellegrin.Performance· Free entry (Opens in new tab)
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(No) brass band without menFinal Project in Applied Theater by Salome Roithinger. Together with the audience, the performers explore the need and possibilities for change within and around a well-established community such as the traditional brass band. How do we want to wear a Dirndl? What should we do with all the marching music? Can we reclaim Salzburg's cultural traditions and reshape them into something that is relevant for us today?Performance· Free entry (Opens in new tab)
