Access Crash Course ACC 2026

The application deadline has been extended!
>> You can now apply until 12 April <<

A one-week course for theatre and dance professionals

The auawirleben Theaterfestival Bern 2026 (6 to 17 May) continues its long-term commitment to accessibility, inclusion and care. Building on the impulses and methodologies developed in recent editions of the festival, auawirleben is offering an Access Crash Course for Swiss theatre and dance professionals.

This one-week workshop takes place during the festival and provides practical tools, shared language and hands-on approaches to making theatre and dance productions more accessible to diverse audiences. The programme is grounded in the festival’s manifesto, which understands access not as an add-on, but as an artistic, ethical and collective responsibility.

Programme

Workshops with various experts on: Access basics and access planning / Funding opportunities for accessibility / Sign Language interpretation & Deaf culture / Audio description & touch tours / Relaxed performances & pre-show access

Sign Language lessons: daily one-hour sessions (DSGS)

One week of festival programme: performances (some of which involve accessibility measures), discussions, lab focused on organisational resilience, events in the supporting programme at the Festival Centre

Exchange with the auawirleben team and invited guests

Dates: Mon 11 May (noon) to Sun 17 May (afternoon)

What we offer

Festival Pass, accommodation, travel expenses within Switzerland, per diems, discount for food and drinks at the Festival Centre, workshops with experts and summary handouts

Group Capacity

A maximum of 10 theatre and dance professionals from Switzerland, with or without experience in accessibility. The workshop will be held in English.

Application

Send a short letter of motivation and a short bio/CV in German or English to olga.drygas@auawirleben.ch

Here you find a PDF.