FAQ
The Theaterpreis des Bundes recognizes outstanding achievements by theaters in Germany that impress with their artistic quality, social relevance, and innovative working methods. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about the prize—from the criteria and application process to the selection procedure.
Whether you are applying for the first time or already have experience with the award, here you will find concise and understandable information to help you get started and prepare.
Questions about the open call
- Municipal and state theaters, regional theaters
- Private theaters and guest performance venues
- Independent production companies
The Theaterpreis des Bundes, awarded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, is primarily aimed at theater companies and therefore does not usually apply to independent groups without their own theater.
Theater companies can apply if, in addition to being classified in one of the three categories
they can also demonstrate regular performances and/or other socially relevant, activating (including participatory) program components in their own venue.
The artistic content and programmatic work of a theater is classified taking into account the operational requirements and circumstances of the theater, such as financing and infrastructure and/or personnel structure. This point is therefore necessary for a complete application.
Theaters eligible to apply may have different organizational forms – from municipal enterprises to limited liability companies.
Applicants are responsible for assigning themselves to the individual categories based on their structural starting situation. This self-assessment will be reviewed during the screening phase of the application documents. We reserve the right to contact applicants if we have any questions. This allows us to give all establishments the best possible chance of being nominated and winning the award.
A tip: keep an eye on which theaters could apply in the respective categories and could be in direct comparison with you, even if they have different structures. Theaters with a strong national profile as well as the smallest institutions apply. This means that the more precisely and transparently you describe your theater structure and the respective framework conditions in your application, the easier it will be for the jury to classify your institution among the diversity of different structures and make a comparison. Therefore, you should be as transparent as possible with concrete figures, annual revenues, other sources of funding, etc.
And, of course, the information also helps us to advise you on the best category for your application.
You can register for the digital information events at the following link. These events will explain the application process and answer questions from participants. (redirects to the Fonds Darstellende Künste website)
If you still have questions after attending, we will be happy to arrange an individual consultation appointment. You can find the contact details here.
Applications may only be submitted digitally via the Fonds Darstellende Künste online portal between September 1 and November 15, 2025.
To the online portal
No, theaters and production companies must apply themselves.
The following are generally not eligible for funding: academic and other educational theater organizations, festival theater organizations, independent companies and ensembles, and independent collectives with a permanent (albeit public) rehearsal space.
Once a house has received an award, it is not eligible to participate in the application process the following year. It is not possible for a house to receive consecutive awards.
Once the applications have undergone a formal review by the Fonds Darstellende Künste administrative office, the expert jury will receive all the documents for review and subsequent discussion of the applications.
A decision on the nomination is expected by spring 2026 at the latest.
Questions about the award
The “MAP” shows which theaters have received the Theaterpreis des Bundes to date.
The award has changed in recent years in terms of how it is presented and has been awarded in the categories we know today since 2023.
The Theaterpreis des Bundes is awarded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media. The project is sponsored by Fonds Darstellende Künste e.V., which is responsible for the conception, planning, and implementation of the project on behalf of the federal government, in cooperation with the International Theater Institute (ITI).
We provide the latest updates on our Instagram channel.
Background information, such as interviews with prize winners or members of the expert jury, can be found in the magazine or publications, among other places.