The 36th edition of the International Festival of Theatre Schools SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER will take place from the 14th to the 18th of April 2026 in Brno and its venues. The festival is organised by the students of the Theatre Faculty of the Janacek Academy of Performing Arts (JAMU), Czech Republic, led by the Festival Board.
Although SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER is a non-competitive festival, it has a festival jury that rewards outstanding students’ work by giving out the “Marta Award”. The award does not rank individual productions from the festival programme, but rather highlights the most inspiring and innovative artistic achievements of young theatre artists. The festival jury selects and rewards students in various categories (which are not determined in advance).
The festival aims to provide a place where students, teachers, and others involved in the theatre can meet to present and discuss their work and methods. We would like to enlarge the cooperation of schools and develop friendly relationships.
Every year a theme is chosen for the festival by the artistic section. Although the festival has its theme, performances are not required to correspond to it. This year’s theme is “SPIRAL“. Alongside the main programme, there is also an “off-programme”, that includes additional performances, parties and other events.
Contact
Alberto Zorzo, head of Participants and Guest service
+420 607 876 931 , participants@encounter.cz
Anna Vodáková, head of Technical support
+420 733 373 160 , participants@encounter.cz
How to apply
Each theatre school can apply with one performance. It may be in any language, English is not necessary, just remember, that if we choose your performance, we require English subtitles!
Please fill in all the parts of the application form by the 1st of December 2025. You must also upload a scanned letter of confirmation with the signature of the official representative of your school.
Additional information
Accommodation
The festival provides accommodation pays for up to 10 members of each participating ensemble at our expense.
If your group includes more than 10 members, we are happy to arrange accommodation for the additional members as well, however all participants beyond the first 10 cover their own costs.
All guests staying at the festival hotel receive breakfast included in their stay.
Travel
The festival does not cover travel expenses.
However, once you arrive in Brno, a dedicated guide will meet you and help you get to your hotel. Your guide will remain available to assist you throughout your stay in Brno.