International Physical Theatre Workshop (Berlin)
Physicality in Acting
March 31 - April 4, 2027 · Berlin, Germany · 28 hours / 5 days
A five-day intensive in Berlin for directors, actors, choreographers, and movement practitioners who want to turn physicality into a precise, reliable tool for storytelling on stage. Move from “I feel something in my body, but I can’t shape it with my actors” to “I can build clear, repeatable movement scores and psychophysical actions for any scene.”
Strictly limited places. Selection based on CV; Language - English; Certificate available upon completion.
Is This Workshop for You?
The workshop is designed for professionals and pre-professionals in the performing arts: directors, actors, dancers, choreographers, circus artists, and educators who want to expand their creative toolkit and apply historical avant-garde methods to contemporary stage work.
This week is for you if you recognise yourself in at least one of these situations:
You direct or perform regularly, but feel that movement in your productions happens “by accident” rather than by design.
You sense strong physical impulses in rehearsal, yet struggle to translate them into clear actions, choreography, or composition.
You work with actors, dancers, circus artists, or students and want a concrete toolbox to guide them beyond “be more expressive”.
You are tired of purely intellectual work and want training that treats the body, imagination, and space as one integrated instrument.
What This Week Focuses On
The central focus is the mastery of psychophysical unity - the belief that the physical body and psychic life (emotions, will, and imagination) are inextricably linked. This approach is explored through three main historical methodologies: Meyerhold's "Biomechanics," M. Chekhov's "Psychological Gesture," and Stanislavsky's "Physical Action."
The program includes:
a. Exercises Focusing on Improvisation, Space Exploration, and Partner Interaction;
b. Methods for Building Ensembles and Enhancing Performers' Physicality and Creativity;
c. Approaches for Analyzing Plays and Integrating Movement and Text.
Requirements & Working Culture
To keep the training deep and safe, we ask participants to meet a few simple requirements.
Professional Background
You have experience in the performing arts - as a director, actor, dancer, circus artist, choreographer, or teacher - and are ready for concentrated physical work in the studio.
Openness to Experimentation
You are willing to try unfamiliar tasks, make mistakes in front of others, and work beyond your habitual comfort zone.
Collaboration
You are ready to engage in partner and group work that may include physical contact.
Language Proficiency
Working language is English. Accents and mixed backgrounds are welcome; what matters is willingness to communicate.
Application
Submit a resume (CV). Selection is competitive and based on professional background and alignment with the training’s goals.
How the Training Works (Learning by Doing)
NIPAI’s physical theatre training has shaped the practice of directors and performers from over 50 countries. Here are a few voices from previous editions:
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
Schedule - 5 Days, 28 Hours
Tuition & Funding
Early Bird tuition is 350 EUR for registrations confirmed until 19 December 2025. After this date the fee is 450 EUR.
The fee covers all training sessions (28 working hours), use of the professional studio, and a NIPAI certificate upon completion of the full program and creative report.
Accommodation, meals, and travel are organised by participants. For registered participants, we can recommend convenient accommodation options near the venue.
To apply, please complete the online application form. Once submitted, we will contact you to provide further details.
Funding & Support
Many participants fund their participation through local grants or mobility schemes. You can:
- explore possible options in NIPAI’s Funding Opportunities section;
- check national or regional arts councils and cultural foundations in your home country;
- ask your theatre, university, or employer about professional development support.
If a funder requires an official confirmation of your participation or a short description of the workshop, NIPAI can provide supporting documents upon request.
Gallery & Videos
Participants who:
- attend the full 28 hours of training, and
- submit a creative report within the given deadline
- receive a NIPAI certificate confirming their completion of the International Physical Theatre Workshop “Physicality in Acting” in Berlin.
The creative report can take one of two forms:
- a written reflection (min. 1500 words) in a free, essay-style format; or
- a short video report sharing your experience, key insights, and how you plan to apply the tools in your work.
The report is not an exam. It is a structured moment to look back at the training and translate your discoveries into language you can return to before future rehearsals.
Many participants use this documentation to support funding applications, residency proposals, or professional development reports within their home institutions.
Workshop Leaders
Movement director and specialist in theatre biomechanics, physical expressiveness, and stage combat. With a background in fine arts, Gennadiy has dedicated his career to physical theatre and movement direction, frequently collaborating with his brother Sergei on productions and training projects worldwide.
Venue
DOCK 11 EDEN,
Breite Str 43, 13187 Berlin (Pankow)
Registered participants will receive detailed information.
FAQs: Investment, Level, and Practicalities
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.