International Physical Theatre Workshop (Berlin)
The Art of Action on Stage
April 7-11, 2026 · Berlin, Germany · 28 hours / 5 days
Mechanical and physical action: what’s the difference – and how can a director turn that difference into clear, repeatable stage language? Learn the rigorous methods trusted by 20+ years of NIPAI alumni worldwide.
Strictly limited places. Selection based on CV; Language - English; certificate available upon completion.
Is This Workshop for You?
This physical theatre workshop is designed for professional and pre-professional artists who already have some stage experience and want to deepen their physical vocabulary.
If you direct, choreograph or teach
- you are looking for ways to work with physical action in a precise, repeatable way rather than relying only on intuition;
- you want to help performers build clear, readable images in space that support the dramaturgy;
- you need high-level physical theatre training in Berlin that fits into a busy rehearsal schedule.
If you perform
- you enjoy moving, but want to connect movement with dramatic structure and character;
- you are curious about biomechanics and psychological gesture but never had the chance to explore them in depth;
- you want a safe, demanding environment to take risks, expand your range and meet colleagues from different countries.
What This Week Focuses On
Participants work with practical techniques and improvisational exercises to explore how to collaborate with actors on movement, body angles, and placement in accordance with their characters.
Key areas of exploration include:
- theatre biomechanics by Vsevolod Meyerhold
- psychological gesture by M. Chekhov
- physical action by K. Stanislavski
- improvisation-based training, movement dramaturgy, and approaches to scene composition
Designed as a multidisciplinary intensive workshop, the training brings together performers from various techniques and countries and reflects NIPAI’s principles of multidisciplinarity and multiculturality.
Requirements for Participants
To join the International Physical Theatre Workshop, participants should meet the following requirements:
Professional Background
Experience in the performing arts.
Openness to Experimentation
Readiness to explore new methods and ideas.
Collaboration
Willingness to actively engage in group work, including physical contact, and contribute to a collaborative environment.
Etiquette
By participating in our events, participants are expected to follow our etiquette.
Language Proficiency
Working language is European English.
Application
Submit a resume (CV). Selection is competitive and based on professional background and alignment with the training’s goals.
International Physical Theatre Workshop:
Gallery & Videos
Past Participants
Getting feedback through our tasks is what makes NIPAI innovative for me. It encourages their students to make creative decisions by themselves, without being reliant on teachers or other external influences for reassurance. Finding the balance between structured teaching and guidance without interference is challenging, and NIPAI’s approach has been outstanding.
Juliane Brommeland, Norway
Google Maps review
Very nice organization and professional guidance that rooted in the shared fundamental skills of performing arts. It was especially pleasant for me to discover that the mentors has extensive artistic background and really mean to help you grow as a performer and director. Because as an emerging talent myself, I have been approached by so many people who only want to take advantage of young professionals to run their business. Really glad that NIPAI is not one of them.
Xueni Yang, Czech Republic
Google Maps review
Tuition, Schedule & Funding
Early Bird tuition is 350 EUR for registrations confirmed until 19 December 2025. After this date the fee is 450 EUR. The price covers all training sessions over five days (28 working hours).
The group is kept compact to allow individual attention and safe physical work. Accommodation and meals are organised by participants; for registered participants we can recommend accommodation options close to the venue.
To apply, please complete the online application form. Once submitted, we will contact you to provide further details.
Funding & Support
If you require financial support, you can explore possible grants or support schemes in NIPAI’s Funding Opportunities section and through funding bodies in your home country. Many participants use local mobility or professional development grants to cover travel and tuition.
Certificate & Creative Report
After the workshop you are invited to reflect on the training in a creative report - either a written reflection of at least 1500 words or a short video sharing your experience and key insights. Participants who attend the full 28 hours of training and submit their report receive a NIPAI certificate confirming their completion of the International Physical Theatre Workshop in Berlin.
Workshop Leaders
Director, choreographer and performance teacher with more than 40 years of professional experience. Sergei has directed over 40 theatre productions and led international projects in numerous countries across Europe and beyond, combining rigorous physical training with clear dramaturgical structure.
Movement director and specialist in theatre biomechanics, physical expressiveness and stage combat. Trained in fine arts, Gennadiy has dedicated his career to theatre, focusing on physical theatre and movement direction and frequently collaborating with his brother Sergei on international productions and training projects.
Venue
DOCK 11 EDEN,
Breite Str 43, 13187 Berlin (Pankow)
Registered participants will receive detailed information.
Ready to Work on Stage, Not Just Talk about It?
If you feel that your current tools for working with movement are not enough for the performances you want to create, this week in Berlin is a chance to reset your practice in the studio – together with an international group of colleagues and experienced mentors.
FAQs
Is this workshop worth the investment for my career? Yes, if you’re serious about deepening your directorial or choreographic practice. Alumni often note that the training has helped them secure new professional projects shortly after completion, particularly due to increased confidence and a more precise technical vocabulary developed at NIPAI. The workshop fee includes an intensive working schedule, a certificate of completion, and ongoing access to the NIPAI alumni network - positioned as more accessible than many long-term university programs with comparable ambitions.
What if I'm a beginner - will I feel out of place? Not at all. While professional experience is required for admission, we welcome participants at various skill levels. Our multidisciplinary approach means circus performers learn alongside directors, dancers work with actors. The safe, collaborative environment explicitly supports experimentation and creative risk-taking.
What's included in the workshop fee? Everything you need: 28 working hours of instruction, access to professional rehearsal space, certificate of completion (upon essay submission), and lifetime access to NIPAI's global alumni network. Not included: accommodation, meals, and travel to Berlin.
What's the application process? Three simple steps: (1) Submit the online application with your CV/resume. (2) The NIPAI admissions committee will review your application and contact you by email regarding the result. (3) If accepted, you can confirm your participation by completing the payment. Admission is competitive and based on your professional background and commitment to learning.