Thomas Bernhard Institute

The Thomas Bernhard Institute at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg is one of Austria's most renowned and innovative places to study contemporary theatre practice.
Paris-Lodron-Straße 9
5020 Salzburg
Three study programmes are offered at the Thomas Bernhard Institute: Acting, Directing and Applied Theatre. All three programmes include a comprehensive range of practical and theoretical subjects, all centred around project based artistic work. Students therefore learn essential technical skills in a real life context, as well as continually refining their reflective capabilities. Right from the outset, our students are free to develop their own artistic practice.
The three programmes encourage an understanding of theatre from different perspectives. Independent performance practice and research projects are just as much part of the studies at Thomas Bernhard Institute as the exploration of the dramatic repertoire, performative interventions in public space and lectures on recent political struggles. Transcultural cooperation and international exchange play an important role in the study programmes at theThomas Bernhard Institute and the department frequently co-operates with international partner institutions such as the Free SZFE Budapest and the E:UTSA network.
As a place of public assembly, theatre maintains strong ties to social reality. The work of the Thomas Bernhard Institute reflects this in both the rehearsal process and the academic debate, constantly addressing issues such as the responsibility and the function of theatre, care for oneself and for each other, recognition of difference and mutual appreciation, the distribution of resources and how to negotiate topics of diversity. Critical awareness and social, political and ecological problems build the common ground for artistic work at the Thomas Bernhard Institute.
Courses
At a glance
Events
-
22.6.—28.6.2025Max Schlereth SaalSchauspielschultreffen 2025Bundeswettbewerb deutschsprachiger SchauspielstudierenderDrama
-
23.6.202505:30 pmGroßes Studio, Applied TheatreTheaterLabor XTheaterLabor X sees itself as a space for all theatre enthusiasts. The X marks the multiple intersections that arise when people meet under the sign of a common interest. Choreography is practised and tried out, as are writing, speaking, role-playing, games and thematic settings. Preferences are takOpen Theatre Lab· Free
-
26.6.—27.6.2025TheatrumScenography & Thomas Bernhard InstituteThe Department of Scenography opens its studios, workshops, painting room, lighting and CAD laboratory. Stage design students present their diploma theses, stage and costume designs, stage models and installations as part of the exhibition. This will be followed by the Sommerfest of scenography and the Thomas Bernhard Institute.Open Days· Free
-
extra-intro (AT) Master's project Applied Theatre by Anastasiia LarinaPerformance· Free entry (Opens in new tab) -
What has politicised us? (AT) An OMAphonie in five movements. Stories by and featuring OMAS GEGEN RECHTS (Grandmothers Against the Right) – Master's project in Applied Theatre by Tin Blümke, (in collaboration) with Gerti Mayer, Gerlinde Ausweger, Ulrike Murfett, Doris Horwedel-Fuchs & Traude ProbstPerformance· Free entry (Opens in new tab)