Open Call International Playwright Exchange – Writing Across Borders

In short:
Open to: Playwrights and dramaturgs
When: 19–21 November 2026, January 2027 and 3–6 June 2027
Where: Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden
Language: English
Deadline: 20 September 2026

International Playwright Exchange – Writing Across Borders is an international artistic development project for playwrights and dramaturgs working in the field of theatre for children and young audiences. The project is developed and led by ASSITEJ Sweden, Kinder- und Jugendtheaterzentrum in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (KJTZ) and Fonds Podiumkunsten, the Netherlands.

Bringing together participants from Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands, the project creates a space for artistic exchange, professional development and international dialogue. Over the course of three multi-day meetings, each taking place in one of the participating countries, participants will explore contemporary narrative forms, share and reflect on their own artistic practice, and discuss what it means today to write for young audiences in Europe. We are now inviting playwrights and dramaturgs to apply to become part of the first edition of the project.

Three playwrights and/or dramaturgs from each participating country – Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands* – will be selected to take part in the project. The selection process is carried out by a committe consisting of Swedish, German and Dutch professionals, and is based on artistic quality, relevance to the project’s focus and the applicant’s motivation to engage in an international exchange process.

* Applicants from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) are also eligible to apply.

Applicants should be professionally active playwrights and/or dramaturgs with an interest in, or experience of, creating work for children and young audiences. The project welcomes applicants with different artistic backgrounds, working methods and levels of professional experience.

Applicants must be available to participate in all parts of the programme. Please note that applications cannot be considered if you are unable to attend all three physical meetings:

• 19–21 November 2026 – Frankfurt Forum Young Theatre, Germany
• January 2027 – Gathering in the Netherlands
• 3–6 June 2027 – Final meeting and public encounter in Sweden during the Swedish Performing Arts Biennial in Jönköping

Participants are also expected to take part in digital meetings and ongoing exchange between the physical encounters.

The programme includes three international gatherings in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Participants will take part in lectures, discussions, workshops, readings and meetings with playwrights and other professionals working within theatre for young audiences, as well as selected performances and site visits.

Participation is free of charge. Accommodation, meals and travel costs related to the project are covered by the organisers. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance.

We are looking for participants who are interested in artistic exchange, international collaboration and building long-term professional relationships across borders.

Participants are expected to contribute actively to discussions, share their artistic perspectives and engage openly with the work and experiences of others.

The selection will be based on:

• Artistic quality and a clear engagement with playwriting and/or dramaturgical practice.
• Interest in theatre for children and young audiences.
• Openness to artistic exchange, collaboration and international dialogue.
• Curiosity towards contemporary narratives, dramaturgical exploration and new perspectives on theatre for young audiences.

The final group will be selected with the ambition of creating a diverse and dynamic cohort in terms of artistic approaches, experience, backgrounds and perspectives.

We strive to accommodate a variety of access needs and are committed to fostering an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment.

Applications are submitted through the online application form.

In the form, you will be asked to:

• provide your contact details and some basic information about your professional background;
• briefly describe your current artistic practice and your experience of creating work for young audiences;
• tell us why you would like to participate in Writing Across Borders and what you would like to explore or develop through the exchange. You can submit your motivation either in writing (max. 300 words) or as a video (max. 2 minutes);
• upload your CV in English (PDF, max. 2 pages, max. 5 MB);
• confirm your availability for all parts of the programme.

Application deadline: 20 September 2026. Apply here: https://forms.gle/DHRfMQaEU8damogo9

The final selection will be made jointly by ASSITEJ Sweden, KJTZ and Fonds Podiumkunsten. You will be informed about the outcome of the application process no later than 30 September 2026.

For questions about the project or application process, please contact:
ASSITEJ Sweden, Niclas Malmcrona: info@assitej.se
KJTZ, Esther Boldt: e.boldt@jungespublikum.de
Fonds Podiumkunsten, Anja Krans: a.krans@performingartsfund.nl