9 Awesome International Theatre Festivals
From interactive/location-based performances to celebrations of classical theatre, every country seems to have something special to offer. And hopefully this awesome list of international theatre festivals will inspire you to make your way to at least one of them one day!
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1. Theater Spektakel
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Theater Spektakel➝ is an annual festival that hosts around 40 individuals and companies from around the globe. Between the talent and the location (directly on the shores of Lake Zurich), this festival offers an experience that can’t be missed.
Next Dates: August 17 – September 3, 2023
2. Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival➝ has been around since 2012 and has hosted over 3000 artists since then! And not only does the festival host live performances, you can also find other cool events during those few days, such as staged readings, a Black-Expo Market, and a monologue competition!
Next Dates: August 31 – September 2, 2023
3. Jonge Harten Theatre Festival
Location: Groningen, The Netherlands
Jonge Harten➝ takes place annually in theatres across the small and charming student city of Groningen. In addition to offering theatrical performances, Jonge Harten offers workshops, parties, and special events for the guests to enjoy.
Next Dates: November 17 – 25, 2023
4. Colorado New Play Summit
Location: Colorado, USA
Colorado New Play Summit➝ is such a great way to get to know some of Colorado’s “most ambitious writers” while helping them fine tune their new works. Not only are there exciting readings of new plays, but there are also interesting events where you can chat with the creators.
Next Dates: February 24 – 25, 2024
5. Festival Theaterformen
Location: Braunschweig, Germany
Festival Theaterformen➝ boasts experimental and quality theatre between the German cities of Braunschweig and Hannover. During the festival week, you can expect to find everything from classical drama to site-specific interactive theatre.
Next Dates: June 13 – 23, 2024
6. Anywhere Theatre Festival
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Anywhere Theatre Festival➝ takes place well … anywhere! This is an exciting opportunity to follow actors into normal spaces such as homes, courtyards, schools, residential homes, museums, and laundromats.
Next Dates: July 19 – August 4, 2024
7. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
The Edinburgh Fringe➝ is one of the most popular theatre festivals in the world. It usually goes on for a few weeks and spans hundreds of stages across the city every single year!
Next Dates: August 2 – 26, 2024
8. Bregenzer Fest Spiele
Location: Bregenz, Austria
Known for their elaborate sets and being the world’s largest lake stage, the Bregenzer Fest Spiele➝ is not one to be missed. This year’s program features traditional theatre, orchestral concerts, and an operas in two to four acts.
Next Dates: TBD
9. VAULT Festival
Location: London
The VAULT Festival➝ was personally one of my favorite international theatre festival experiences! The festival is home to hundreds of events each year, and the shows are spread out across different awesome venues across Waterloo. Here’s where you can read all about our experience at the 2019 VAULT Festival.
Next Dates: TBA
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.