“Laboratorium” Residency on Postdramatic Theatre

This 22-day residency will train 5 actors/actresses from the Balkan region in postdramatic theatre. Daily rehearsals will feature physical training and dance exercises, fostering rhythm, synchronization, and developing awareness of one’s body, the self, and the collective body.

The training is heavily based on movement and acting improvisation which gives actors an opportunity to collaborate in the artistic and creative process, encouraging them to develop selected scenes into professional productions post-residency. Running from September 15th to October 6th, 2024, the residency culminates in a public showcase, open to the public and to regional theatre directors and choreographers. The showcase would serve as an opportunity at which participants would be able to demonstrate their acquired knowledge by performing in directed scenes on a given topic/title. In addition to the acquired training and knowledge, this residency aims to promote regional collaboration which is often hindered by limited funding.

Participants will have dedicated rehearsal and presentation spaces at Laboratorium, with the flexibility to interchange between two rehearsal spaces. The expansive Laboratorium stage serves for daily rehearsals, while the smaller studio space supports the group for individual training.

Laboratorium, established in December 2023, is a dynamic educational and cultural center situated within a renovated former stamping house. Boasting a 750-square-meter industrial space, complete with a central circular stage, it serves as a versatile venue for concerts, performances, and artistic endeavors. The mission of Laboratorium is to cultivate a vibrant platform that fosters collaboration, idea exchange, and public engagement among artists, designers, and creatives. Through a diverse array of cultural, artistic, and educational activities, they provide a space for both emerging talents and seasoned individuals to showcase their work, develop their skills, and connect with like-minded peers. Laboratorium is an associate member of the Trans Halles Europe (network of cultural centers).

Funding Information

• Selected participants receive 350 EUR for travel expenses (with the possibility for an additional 350 EUR for using green transport and other top-ups), per diems of 25 EUR, and paid accommodation in two fully-equipped apartments in the Skopje city center.

Eligibility Criteria

• They seek actors who are at least 18 years of age; who are legal residents in a Creative Europe Country; have a considerable amount of experience with movement and dance; who are graduates from, or are currently enrolled in a performing arts program; who have professional experience in the performing arts; and come from the following countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania.

Evaluation Criteria

• Evaluation criteria include the relevance of the applicant’s background to the residency’s theme, artistic merit demonstrated through their work, and the demonstrated performance capabilities in the audition video. The selection process prioritizes factors such as experience, devotion, commitment and alignment with the residency’s objectives. Successful applicants will be notified of their selection via email, and arrangements for their participation in the residency will be communicated.

For more information, visit TransArtists.