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. We have also compiled questions and answers about attending the award ceremony for you.
Questions about the award ceremony
The winners will be announced by the end of March at the latest. We will provide information about this on this website.The winners will be announced by the end of March at the latest. We will provide information about this on this website.
The winners will be announced by the end of March at the latest. We will provide information about this on this website.
The Theaterpreis des Bundes award ceremony will take place at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. The address is Schaperstraße 24 in 10719 Berlin.
Invitations to the event will only be sent out personally by email.
Our partner Kulturveranstaltungen des Bundes in Berlin GmbH will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about your ticket by email at ticketinfo@berlinerfestspiele.de or by phone at +49 30 254 89 100.
If you are unable to attend the event, please send an email to theaterpreis@fonds-daku.de. It is not possible to cancel your ticket yourself.
The ticket is personalized and non-transferable.
To ensure that all guests can enjoy a pleasant evening, the Respect Charter applies at the event. It sets forth the rules for respectful, non-discriminatory, and considerate interaction with one another.
By entering the event grounds, all guests agree to abide by these rules. In the event of violations, we reserve the right to take appropriate action.
Please contact us directly with your request by email at theaterpreis@fonds-daku.de or by phone at +49 30 629 31 2632.
During the event, there will be interpretation into German sign language and simultaneous translation into English. Technical equipment will be available at the help desk.
There are currently no plans to broadcast the program live.
There are plenty of bicycle parking spaces available next to the Haus der Berliner Festspiele on Schaperstraße. Parking spaces for cars are very limited in the immediate vicinity.
Arriving by public transport:
Underground U3 and U9 (Spichernstraße, Bundesallee exit, 3 minutes’ walk)
Buses 204/249 (Friedrich-Hollaender-Platz, 3 minutes’ walk)
You will find all the relevant information in your personal invitation. If you have any further questions, please contact our team directly at theaterpreis@fonds-daku.de.
Dogs are not permitted. If you are accompanied by an assistance dog, this is of course possible, but we ask that you consult with us in advance.
Childcare is not provided on site.
The bar in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele will be open to all guests on a pay-as-you-go basis from 6:30 p.m. when doors open and after the award ceremony.
Please feel free to contact us by email at theaterpreis@fonds-daku.de.
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.
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, was primarily intended for established theater institutions and therefore generally did not apply to independent groups without their own theater.
Theater companies were eligible to apply if, in addition to being classified in one of the three categories
they could 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 was evaluated in light of the theater’s operational conditions and circumstances, such as financing as well as infrastructure and/or personnel structure. Therefore, this aspect was necessary for a complete application.
Theaters eligible to apply could have different organizational forms – from municipal enterprises to limited liability companies.
No, theaters and production companies had to apply themselves.
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.