International Physical Theatre Workshop (Berlin)
Text, Voice & Physical Action
January 5–9, 2026 · Berlin, Germany · 28 hours / 5 days
From physical impulse to stage-ready action. Build ensemble work fast and integrate body, emotion, voice and text.
Strictly limited places. Selection based on CV; Language - English; certificate available upon completion.
Who it’s for
Professionals & pre‑professionals in performing arts: dancers, choreographers, actors, directors, circus artists and interdisciplinary performers who are prepared to fully immerse themselves from start to finish.
This multicultural, multidisciplinary workshop is perfect for those who focus on the movement aspect of performance and are seeking new tools, approaches, and methods to create physical performances across any genre.
Training draws on theatre biomechanics (V. Meyerhold), Psychological Gesture (M. Chekhov), and Physical Action (K. Stanislavski), alongside contemporary practice in improvisation, movement dramaturgy, and scene composition.
International Artists & Practitioners
Join a multicultural cohort in Berlin and create material together within limited rehearsal time. Build contacts and shared vocabulary.
Young Researchers & Postgrads
Test methods across improvisation, floor‑work, acting & directing technique, and text/voice/action integration. Produce reflective evidence for your portfolio.
Experienced Professionals & Teachers
This workshop focuses on refining movement-dramaturgy and ensemble building techniques under time constraints. Participants work with practical drills, structures and classroom-ready protocols for immediate implementation.
Academic Institutes & Residencies
Compact intensive that prioritizes authentic learning over grades, with transparent schedule and selection that sustains cohort calibre.
Curriculum
The curriculum explores improvisation and spontaneity as essential tools for both rehearsal and creation, alongside techniques for building ensembles and crafting performance pieces within limited rehearsal time.
Drawing from theatre biomechanics (Vsevolod Meyerhold), Psychological Gesture (Michael Chekhov), and Physical Action (Konstantin Stanislavski), the program develops performers through improvisation, movement dramaturgy, and scene composition work.
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
The Ostrenko Method
The Masters
Sergei & Gennadiy Ostrenko have developed a rigorous yet intuitive approach that blends Meyerhold’s “Biomechanics,” M. Chekhov’s “Psychological Gesture,” and Stanislavsky’s “Physical Action.” Drawing on over 40 years of international directing and teaching, their systematic methodology consistently unlocks a performer’s full expressive potential.
Evidence & Trust
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
Ways to participate
Feature / Benefit
Admission to international workshop
Access to faculty & international community
Director’s workbook (exercises + notes)
Photo keepsake
Branded materials bundle
Light support tasks for event organizers
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Standard
Economy
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Full set (eco-bag, notebook, pen, 2 T-shirts, 2 socks, postcard, stickers, sticky notes, bottle)
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Maximum immersion & keepsakes
Focused learning
Learning + contributing. Limited number of places
€650
(€750 after November 21, 2025)
€490
(€590 after November 21, 2025)
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temporarily unavailable
Registration Details
The Early Bird fee is valid until November 21, 2025. After this date, the fee will increase. The cost includes full participation in the international workshop, which runs for 5 days (28 working hours).
To apply, please complete the online application form. Once submitted, we will contact you to provide further details.
Certificate
The certificate is provided after student's participation in the training and submitting the report/essay or video of their experience at the program (1500 words).
The certificate is only awarded to those who attended the workshop from start to finish, completing at least 28 working hours.
Venue
DOCK 11 EDEN,
Breite Str 43, 13187 Berlin (Pankow)
Registered participants will receive detailed information.
FAQs
What is the Psychological Gesture of Chekhov? The Psychological Gesture (PG) in the Chekhov technique is a whole‑body impulse that condenses a character’s inner objective into a simple, dynamic movement. In this workshop, PG is linked to text, voice and physical action so that gesture becomes playable action on stage.
What is biomechanics in theatre? Meyerhold’s biomechanics is an actor‑training system focusing on efficiency, rhythm, balance and intention made visible. It uses etudes (e.g., “Shooting the Bow”, “The Slap”) to develop precision, ensemble timing and compositional clarity. We work with adapted etudes to suit today’s ensembles, emphasising safety, partner work and dramaturgic purpose. Outcomes transfer directly into scene building.
Acting & directing workshop syllabus and exercises Syllabus includes improvisation, movement dramaturgy, scene composition, floor‑work and Psychological Gesture (Chekhov), Physical Action (Stanislavski), and Meyerhold biomechanics etudes.
International workshop Berlin - benefits & certificate Intensive, international cohort in Berlin; 28 hours across 5 days; clear outcomes and a Certificate of Participation (attendance + reflective submission). Ideal for Europe‑based artists and visiting practitioners.