Intensive Residency
in Csurgó, Hungary
Program Format
Intensive
Duration
3 weeks
Start Dates
Final Examination
Staging a Performance
Tuition Fee
Certificate
After completing the program, you will receive a Certificate.
23.06.2025 - 13.07.2025
Program Overview
An international training program in the form of a 3-week artistic intensive in Csurgó, Hungary, where a group of international creatives, unfamiliar with one another, comes together to connect, learn, gain hands-on experience, collaboratively create art, and present the final result (a performance) to the local community.
The intensive is designed to offer participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in a communal experience where they can grow, learn, and explore new cultures.
This 3-week residency is designed for dancers and choreographers, actors and directors, physical theatre artists and mimes, vocalists and musicians, as well as performers from other disciplines.
Build confidence in your creative decisions by combining practical skills with analytical approaches. Develop your own directing style through work with the body, movement, and space. Acquire tools to overcome challenges when creating productions with limited rehearsal time or working with new teams.
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Participants explore physicality, improvisation, and ensemble work through practical exercises aimed at unlocking creativity and gaining fresh perspectives.
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The program fosters collaboration among practitioners from diverse artistic disciplines and cultural backgrounds. Participants will explore innovative approaches to rehearsals and performances in a truly global environment.
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The residency concludes with a public showcase at the Csokonai Közösségi Ház in Csurgó, offering participants the chance to share their collaborative work with the local community.
This program fosters artistic growth, collaboration, and cultural exchange in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Key Learning Areas
Exploring Physicality in Performance
Techniques such as V. Meyerhold’s “Biomechanics,” K. Stanislavski’s “Physical Action,” and M. Chekhov’s “Psychological Gesture” are introduced for practical exploration and application.
Insights into Movement Direction
The program provides opportunities to explore ways to integrate movement processes into actor training and performances.
Approaches to Rehearsal Techniques
Participants engage with the Ostrenko Brothers' methodology, emphasizing practical application and creative collaboration.
NIPAI's educational approach is rooted in the theories of informal collaborative learning, emphasizing shared knowledge, independence, and the pursuit of creative problem-solving solutions.
You will work with creative freedom, guided by clear rules, the liberty to make choices, embrace mistakes, and develop your own path in a natural and spontaneous way. We provide a safe environment where you can challenge yourself and collaborate with others with full confidence. The intensive instructors will guide participants along this journey, supporting without interfering in their personal learning process or their exploration through trial and error.
All training is grounded in real-world challenges and hands-on practice.
About Sergei Ostrenko
Sergei Ostrenko brings over 40 years of experience as a director, choreographer, and performance teacher. He has directed over 40 productions and managed international projects in countries such as Austria, Canada, Hungary, the United Kingdom and more. Learn More >
About Ostrenko Method
The Ostrenko Method is a unique approach to training in theatre and performing arts, developed by Sergei Ostrenko and Gennadiy Ostrenko. This method is rooted in a deep understanding of the physical and emotional dimensions of acting and the creation of a strong connection between the body, space, and artistic vision.
The method encourages participants to focus on physical actions as a central element of the director's concept. It emphasizes movement and spatial composition as tools for building scenes and conveying meaning.
The Ostrenko Method incorporates the principles of montage to create dynamic stage solutions. This involves working with rhythm, movement, transitions, and the structure of a performance, enabling directors to create layered and visually compelling productions.
At the core of the methodology is the principle of "learning by doing." Participants immediately apply theory to practice, creating scenes and analyzing their decisions.
Who Should Apply
Directors and those transitioning into directing
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Build confidence in creative decisions by blending practical skills with analytical approaches.
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Develop an individual directing style through work with the body, movement, and space.
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Gain tools for tackling challenges in creating productions with limited rehearsal time or new teams.
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Learn how to translate your physical expression and performance techniques into a cohesive artistic vision for a production.
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Learn to use rhythm, transitions, and spatial composition to create layered, dynamic stage solutions.
Actors, assistants, dancers, choreographers, mimes, circus artists, vocalists, musicians, and performers from other disciplines
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Learn to use your body as a powerful storytelling tool to enhance your expressiveness and stage presence.
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Discover how to make your physical expression more intentional and purposeful.
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Utilize your background in acting, choreography, movement, or circus arts to broaden your perspective and understand how to contribute to or lead the creative process from a director’s standpoint.
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Explore ways to enrich a director's vision by gaining hands-on experience in blending movement, storytelling, and staging.
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Develop skills to effectively communicate and collaborate within an ensemble, making your contribution as a performer more impactful and cohesive.
Schedule Overview
June 23, 2025
13:00: Group arrival and check-in.
16:50: Meet the Program Coordinator.
17:00–18:00: Group meeting and introduction.
June 24 - July 11, 2025 (Daily):
7:00–8:00: Warm-up.
10:30–13:00: Practical training.
15:00–18:00: Practical training.
19:30–21:00: Creative time (marketing lectures for artists are available).
June 29, July 6, 2025 - rest days.
July 12, 2025
7:00–8:00: Warm-up.
10:30–13:00: Practical training.
15:00–17:00: Final session.
18:00: Final evening.
July 13, 2025
9:00: Check-out and departure.
Participants can enjoy local cafes, restaurants, or grocery stores for meals.
Note: The schedule is subject to change.
Venue and Accommodation
Nestled in the southwest of Hungary, the small town of Csurgó offers a unique cultural experience for our residency participants. Situated at the confluence of three distinct regions - Inner Somogy, Zala Hills, and the Drava region - Csurgó is easily accessible by road from nearby cities like Nagykanizsa, Nagyatád, and Barcs, as well as by train along the Budapest-Gyékényes line.
You can learn more about the venue, how to get there, and accommodation options by following the link below.
Application Process and Eligibility
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Form Submission: Complete the form by May 30, 2025. If you are selected, we will contact you via email to explain the next steps.
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Confirmation: To secure your place, you have to submit the participation fee by the deadline set by the NIPAI manager.
A limited number of spots are available for participants, selected based on their portfolio, enthusiasm, and willingness to explore and discover.
Don’t wait until the last day to submit your application, as spots tend to fill up very quickly.
Rules of the Game
We have some important rules:
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All participants are expected to complete the selection process, which involves filling out the form and submitting their CV, creative portfolio, and motivational letter.
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Participants should stay in Csurgó, Hungary, for the full duration of the residency, arrive on time on the first day of the intensive, and follow the schedule without delays or absences. Late arrivals on the first day may result in losing the opportunity to participate in the remaining 3 weeks. Consistent tardiness during the residency could also lead to exclusion.
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The working hours of the office and event assistants are important. Please respect their need for rest and recharge.
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A WhatsApp group will be used for communication during the intensive. Joining the group is essential for staying updated.
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Intensive Residency is a community for adults, not a summer camp. If any issues arise, feel free to talk to us—we’re here to help.
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Focus on building connections.
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Embrace the opportunity to adapt and learn. This is a chance for growth. Intensive Residency offers valuable experiences for your personal journey. Take time to learn from the local culture, participants from different countries, and their unique perspectives.
Reviews
You can explore the experiences of our past students in a dedicated section of our website.