Front page | Performing Arts Programm Berlin

People sitting in a circle of chairs during a moderated group discussion in a bright room, with a projection screen and a pink curtain in the background.

Specials

18. November 2026 | 16:00 - 17:30

Networks for Democracies – Looking Beyond the Elections

The most recent election results show clearly how strongly antidemocratic and neo-right-wing positions have gained in influence. They have received significantly more votes in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as in Berlin. That is reason enough to come together and talk about the consequences of the elections for art and culture. what effects do these developments specifically have for the work of artists and cultural institutions? How can these be faced, internationally and interdisciplinarily, and what are the prospects?

Information Center

How To…

Workshops & Seminars

4. November 2026 | 16:00 - 20:00

Workshop

How To: Scenography in the Independent Performing Arts Community – From Concept to Realization

What are the special characteristics of working within the independent performing arts community for stage and costume designers? In this workshop, artists (scenographers, artistic directors and performers) will receive information that will make it easier to begin working in and move through the professional field as well as help for the calculation of a scenography budget.

Information Center

Workshops & Seminars

12. November 2026 | 10:00 - 16:30

Workshop

Production Management for Do-It-Yourselfers

Freie Künstler*innen und Kulturakteur*innen übernehmen oft Organisation, Finanzierung und Produktion. Andere möchten sich genau darin professionalisieren. Doch was heißt Produktionsleitung konkret? In der Seminarreihe lernen wir Aufgaben, Rollen und Verantwortung kennen – von der Planung bis zur Abrechnung. Anhand einer Beispielproduktion gehen wir alle Phasen durch und zeigen, wie man Fördermittel sicher verwaltet und rechtliche Vorgaben kreativ nutzt.

International & Nationwide

20. November 2026 | 00:00 - 23:59

Open Call & Deadline

Open Call: Shared Trade Fair Stand at the 2027 Internationale Kulturbörse Freiburg (IKF, or Freiburg International Culture Exchange)

The IKF is the largest professional trade fair in the German-speaking world for stage productions, music and events with showcases, a comprehensive exhibition area and a diverse schedule of programming. At the upcoming edition on January 26 and 27, 2027, Berlin-based artists will have the opportunity to participate in a joint booth organized by the Performing Arts Program and showcase their work.

New Publication: ART.COMMUNITY.WORK.

The publication is aimed at all members of the Freie Szene who are already implementing community projects or looking to get started in this field. Five chapters explore key aspects—ranging from a critical definition of the term to building connections and relationships, all the way to funding and typical production issues. The publication is supplemented by short profiles of the community and neighborhood projects we support, as well as a service section providing an overview of the many points of contact, tools and funding opportunities that already exist in Berlin.

Cover Reader IETM Berlin Plenary Meeting 2025

READER: IETM Berlin Plenary Meeting 2025 – REHEARSING FUTURES

From May 15 to 17, 2025, the IETM Plenary Meeting brought together international guests in Berlin. Over the course of three days, under the theme “REHEARSING FUTURES,” participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Berlin’s independent performing arts community. You can now look back on the IETM Plenary Meeting 2025 with the help of an interactive PDF - with an overview of the IETM Plenary Meeting and its programme, texts contributed by numerous speakers and direct links to video footage and interviews. We hope you enjoy reading and exploring the content!

Cover des Performing Arts Guide mit der Aufschrift: "Your Guide to Berlin's Independent Arts Community"

Out now: Performing Arts Guide Berlin 26/27

This guide to Berlin’s independent performing arts community provides valuable insight into the community and is ideally suited for helping you to discover something new and be well informed for a personal visit to Berlin.

#BerlinIstKultur

is the action alliance against the cuts to the city of Berlin’s cultural budget. Under the campaign of the same name, we network and inform Berlin cultural institutions, associations and solo artists and address the importance of culture for the city of Berlin to politicians.

The Berlin Performing Arts Guide

The Performing Arts Guide offers detailed insights into various festivals, get togethers, and initiatives of Berlin’s independent scene, along with a comprehensive list of venues for better orientation. In addition to the online platform, the guide is also published annually as a print edition.

Theater Scoutings Berlin

The monthly program of Theater Scoutings Berlin opens up new perspectives on artistic works and institutions of the independent arts community with talks, experimental formats, workshops and venue tours.

Proberaumplattform Berlin

The Berlin Rehearsal Space Platform is the digital marketplace for everyone looking to offer or use rehearsal spaces in Berlin. This comprehensive directory provides a decisive overview in the form of words and images of the spaces being offered throughout the entire city of Berlin along with detailed information about the respective conditions on-site.

Publications

No matter whether we are talking about a symposium or a cooperation event, one questions is always at the forefront of the work of the Berlin Performing Arts Program: what and how can we learn from each other and how can we then integrate it sustainably within our own work?

LAFT Berlin: Administration and Connections for the Independent Performing Arts Community

The LAFT Berlin – Landesverband der freien darstellen Künste Berlin e.V. is the Legal Entity Behind the Berlin Performing Arts Program. Furthermore, the LAFT Berlin represents the interests of its more than 500 members, including the essential performance venues, groups and individual artists of Berlin in dealing with politicians and the public.

Das Bild zeigt einen pinken Pfeil, der nach rechts zeigt.

Newsletter / Instant Messenger

Current information on events, calls for applications, and cultural policy developments in the independent performing arts in Berlin is available through our various newsletters. LAFT Berlin, Theaterscoutings Berlin, the Rehearsal Space Platform Berlin, and the Performing Arts Festival Berlin regularly provide updates on important topics such as funding opportunities, programs, and events. Here you can sign up for our newsletters!