30+
participating countries
22
years
of history
3
days of main program
1
certificate of participation
About the Performing Arts Conference
For over two decades, the IUGTE Conference has been a unique crossroads for the global performing arts community. This is not just another conference - it's a living laboratory. Our 22nd edition continues the legacy of fostering deep, meaningful dialogue and practical exchange between masters and emerging artists, tradition and experimentation.
The programme blends intensive performative workshops, theoretical discussions, and open laboratories. Theatre directors, dancers, choreographers, circus artists, teachers, and researchers converge here to share, learn, and create beyond disciplinary boundaries.
22nd conference
since 2003
International audience
30+ countries
Interdisciplinary format
theatre · dance · circus
Certificate
IUGTE / NIPAI
Laubegg Castle, Austria
Atmosphere and Venue
A 13th-century castle surrounded by forests and hills. In winter - snowy landscapes, mountain air and complete immersion in creativity. Evening discussions by the fireplace, morning warm-ups in halls with high vaulted ceilings, walks through the park where you might encounter deer.
Historic architecture neighbors modern amenities: rehearsal spaces, auditoriums, guest rooms, dining hall on-site - everything in one place.
Gallery and Videos
Visual Materials
Professionals and Pre-professionals
Who Will Be Interested
This conference is designed for performing arts professionals and pre-professionals who are serious about their growth and eager for meaningful international connections.
Circus Artists
Actors, theatre directors, dancers, choreographers, and circus artists looking to expand their directing, physical, and narrative vocabulary.
Students and Emerging Artists
The next generation of artists ready to accelerate their careers through intensive learning and networking. Group discount for 3+ people.
Arts Managers and Producers
Directors, curators, festival programmers scouting for talent and new collaborative projects.
Educators and Academics
Teachers, researchers, and PhD students seeking innovative methodologies and academic exchange.
What You Will Gain
Opportunities for Participants
New Methods and Skills
Physical theatre practice, movement, composition, pedagogy, arts management.
Performance Platform
Work-in-progress showings, open classes and discussions.
Networking and Collaborations
Connections with artists, educators and producers from around the world.
International Certificate
Each participant receives a certificate of participation that can be used for your CV.
Overview
Program and Key Modules
The final schedule is curated based on participants' applications, ensuring a vibrant and relevant exchange. While the content evolves each year, the core structure provides a balanced rhythm of practice and reflection.
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December 18
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Registration, welcome meeting, introductions, networking
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December 19-20
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Labs and Practical Intensives (theatre, dance, circus)
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Lectures and panel discussions
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Research presentations
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Arts management and marketing case studies
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Work-in-progress showings
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Discussions
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December 21
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Final showings, workshops, lectures and presentations
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Conference summary
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Closing party
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December 22 (morning)
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Closing and departure
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Line-up in Progress
Speakers 2025
You can view the list of confirmed speakers below. Please note: the speaker line-up is still being finalized - new names are added as confirmations come in.
Sergei Ostrenko
Practical Workshop
"Movement for Actors / Acting for Dancers"
Want to be the first to know? Subscribe for updates - we'll send the lineup to your email.
Voices from Our Global Community
Participant Reviews
What a wonderful time I spent with so many international artists and the inspirational Ostrenko bros. I was so happy to be in a room with like-minded people, going back to physical work, and sharing beautiful experiences with them. The location was a dream and the way the schedule was laid out allowed for time to work, to relax, to digest and to process the concepts. Would definitely recommend for actors to get back into their bodies and train !
Melissa Morris, Canada
Google Maps review
iugte conference was the perfect way to wrap the workshop. The shared content has enriched me as human and as a performer.
It was full-filing to appreciate so many performing expressions.
I would definitely say this whole experience has shifted me as an artist.
Thank you NIPAI!
see you soon…
Ayla Rodríguez, Brazil
Google Maps review
We recently had the privilege of attending and presenting at the International University Global Theater Experience (IUGTE) conference, and we are thrilled to share our overwhelmingly positive experience. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the exceptional organization and warm hospitality provided by the IUGTE team. The registration process was seamless, and the detailed conference program ensured that we were always aware of the various presentations and workshops. As a presenter, we found the environment to be incredibly supportive and enriching. The conference's diverse lineup of presentations and workshops offered a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Our session was well-attended by an engaged and appreciative audience, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and feedback. Our experience at the International University Global Theater Experience conference was nothing short of outstanding. The IUGTE team has created an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge, fostering creativity, and building global connections within the performing arts community. We wholeheartedly recommend this conference to anyone passionate about performing arts. We look forward to attending and presenting at future IUGTE conferences and continuing to be a part of this incredible international community.
Newsam Aerial Dance, a St. Louis-based aerial dance company founded by sisters Monica and Graciela Newsam
Google Maps review
Join IUGTE Performing Arts Conference 2025
Registration
Visa Support for International Participants
If needed, we can prepare an invitation letter to assist with visa applications after payment of the fee. We recommend applying no later than October.
More About the Conference Performing Arts Between Tradition and Contemporaneity is the IUGTE Conference - an International Performing Arts Conference 2025 in Europe, hosted at Laubegg Castle, Austria (international conference December 2025). This performing arts conference blends performative practices and interdisciplinary exchange with hands‑on laboratories and residencies in Europe, creating a true performing arts & conference experience. Designed as both a performing arts forum conference and a performing arts education conference, the program spans theatre/drama, dance and circus - effectively acting as a drama conference, dance conference and circus conference in one. Sessions also cover arts education, arts administration, arts leadership and current marketing insights - a timely arts conference event within the European calendar of international conference events. Open to professionals, presenters and students, it’s a friendly arts network conference and arts presenters conference that welcomes arts schools and networks (an arts school network conference feel) and includes conversations on audience development/arts reach. If you’re planning participation in art conferences in Austria or broader participation in art conferences in Europe, the IUGTE performing arts conference (the IUGTE conference “Performing Arts Between Tradition and Contemporaneity”) offers rich international conference topics, showcases and networking; scholarships may be announced, and all attendees receive an international conference with certificate.
Who should attend this international theatre/performing arts conference? The conference welcomes theatre and circus performers/directors, dancers and choreographers, physical-theatre practitioners, musicians, university representatives, educators, and arts managers. It’s designed for professionals and pre-professionals seeking methods exchange, networking, and collaboration.
What’s included in the program? Registration grants access to a curated program of practical sessions (master classes, intensive training), lectures, demonstrations, and performance showings across performing-arts disciplines. A certificate of participation is available upon completion.
How do I apply or register to participate? Click “To Register” on the conference page and submit the online registration form; you’ll receive follow-up instructions by email. Your spot is confirmed once the organizer processes your registration and payment according to the instructions provided.
Can I apply as a speaker or present a workshop/performance? Yes - send your proposal to conference@nipai.org or submit it via the online form on the conference page. You may propose a workshop, lecture/presentation, work-in-progress, or performance; submissions are reviewed for thematic fit and scheduling, and you’ll be notified by email.
Do you provide visa invitation letters for international participants? The organizer provides conference visa support for participants who require an invitation letter for their visa application. Details are provided after registration.
What about accommodation and meals - what’s included? Accommodation and dining are arranged by participants; the page provides directions to Laubegg Castle and practical information on lodging and meals nearby. Registration covers the conference program; travel and accommodation are separate.