State Association of Independent Theatres in Saxony

How does an artistic idea become a concrete project? What funding opportunities exist for the independent performing arts in Saxony? And what exactly belongs in a budget and financing plan?

Together with the Centre of Competence for Theatre (CCT), the Landesverband der Freien Theater in Sachsen (LFTS) invites theatre studies students at the Leipzig University to take part in a practice-oriented workshop. We begin with a short introduction to the work of the LFTS, our advisory and networking services, and key structures of the independent performing arts in Saxony. The main focus of the workshop is practical project development: we will discuss the first steps from idea to project concept, suitable funding opportunities, common funding logics, the basics of grant applications, and how to build a budget and financing plan. Particular attention will also be given to the calculation of fair fees in the independent performing arts.

The workshop is aimed at students who are already working on their own projects, developing first ideas, preparing a funding application, or are generally interested in independent production practices. It seeks to encourage participants to develop and test their own artistic ideas and to actively shape the transition from theatre studies into the professional practice of the independent performing arts.

The workshop will be held in spoken German. All information about the workshop and registration can be found here.

This year, the Verbund Mitte:Ost is organising a joint visit to the INTHEGA congress. Together with the Thüringer Theaterverband e.V. (TTV), the Landeszentrum Freies Theater Sachsen-Anhalt e.V. (LanZe) and the actors of the scenes, we will be exhibiting here to present projects from the three federal states of the independent scene and make valuable contacts. The INTHEGA congress will take place from 29 June to 1 July 2026 in the Stadthalle Bielefeld and will combine a theatre market with a symposium.

We are also looking forward to workshops, lectures, the presentation of the INTHEGA Awards 2026 and many stimulating discussions.

Save the Date: On 10 September 2026, we cordially invite you to villa\wigman in Dresden for our Annual General Meeting, followed by a festive autumn reception. The Annual General Meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on current developments within the association, contribute ideas and shape our future together. In the evening, we will raise a toast to the independent performing arts in Saxony at the festive autumn reception. We will announce all the details shortly.