Theatre Directing meant for you?
Age does not play a role, but the talent to be in the here and now, to observe and reflect, to work together and to do.
Regie: Lotus Friede, fotograaf: Sjoerd Derine.
'Drie Zussen', regie: Lara van Hoof
Regie: Elze van Houtum, fotograaf: Sjoerd Derine.
'Drie Zussen', regie: Lara van Hoof
Regie: Elin Loefman, fotograaf: Sjoerd Derine.
'Dorst', regie: Lara van Hoof
Regie: Britney Achampong, fotograaf: Sjoerd Derine.
'Dorst', regie: Lara van Hoof
Regie: Johanne Willman, fotograaf: Sjoerd Derine.
'Vrienden Van', regie: Lara van Hoof, fotografie: Robert van der Ree
Regie: Danique Dekker, fotograaf: Sjoerd Derine.
'Vrienden Van', regie: Lara van Hoof, fotografie: Robert van der Ree
'Hunker' (naar 'Crave' van Sarah Kane), regie: Lara van Hoof
'Hunker' (naar 'Crave' van Sarah Kane), regie: Lara van Hoof
Full-time HBO bachelor's degree
The Theatre Directing study course of the Academy of Theatre and Dance (AHK) is a full-time HBO bachelor's course that trains students to become directors for professional theatre.
The Theatre Directing study course is highly individually focused and lasts four years. The course is also open to foreign students, provided they speak good English and are willing to learn Dutch as quickly as possible.
Admission and selection
Applications for the auditions must be submitted via an online application form. You will be requested to upload among other particulars, a passport photo (in .jpg, .gif or .png) and a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae (in Word or PDF). You also submit a first assignment in writing.
The study programme is also open to foreign students if they have a good command of English and are prepared to learn Dutch as quickly as possible.
Deadline applications: 28 February 2025
The admission procedure for the Directing Training consists of 3 parts. After each part, the committee decides whether participation in the next round is possible. 4 to 5 students are accepted per year.
The 2025 selection days are on:
Round 0: DEADLINE for registration February 28, 2025
Round 1: Wednesday 19 OR Thursday 20 March 2025
Round 2: Tuesday 22 AND Wednesday 23 April 2025
Read more about the selection days below.
You can find more information about the admission and selection procedures in the description of all study programmes offered by the Amsterdam University of the Arts. Overview of all study programmes.
Marieke Plantinga
E-mail: marieke.plantinga@ahk.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20 527 7683
INFORMATION ABOUT ADMISSION TO THEATRE DIRECTING STUDY COURSE AMSTERDAM
After you have made two proposals on paper for your ideal direction, you may or may not be invited to the audition. This is Round 0.
Zero round: (online) deadline February 28, 2025
The zero round is online. We would like to receive three documents in writing:
1) outline yourself in 1 written sentence.
2) briefly describe your life and your worldview. What is your motivation for going to the Theatre Directing study course? What do you want to learn and what are your strengths and weaknesses? Maximum 2MB.
3) sketch two plays. One piece starts from a great pain in your life, the other piece starts from a great joy. How do you use this pain and joy as a source for a theater piece? Which two works of art, plays, books or films are your sources of inspiration? You can choose whatever sources of inspiration are suitable for you. Describe on paper the direction of your dreams! Which story do you choose, which forms? You may attach images. This document may also not be more than 2MB.
Round 1: Wednesday 19 OR Thursday 20 March 2025
During the first round you get started right away. In the morning you choose a scene that you then immediately work out in front of the committee with your fellow candidates as players. Each candidate is given 15 minutes to work on the chosen scene. Then you participate in the scenes of your fellow candidates. The days last from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and you will be told in advance whether you are expected on day 1 or day 2 and at what time exactly.
Round 2: Tuesday 22 AND Wednesday 23 April 2025
If you progress to Round 2, you will work on different assignments for two days in a row. So prepare in time!
On the first day you work on a scene that the committee has chosen for you. This will be sent to you in time so that you can prepare. On the first day of Round 2 you will have approximately 25 minutes to do this. The committee will monitor the rehearsal and will then briefly discuss your working method and choices with you. We provide actors who know the text.
On the second day 2 you work on a scene of your own choosing and with actors that you choose and bring to your audition. You will have approximately 25 minutes to do this. Please note: this is not a ready-made scene or performance! The intention is for the committee to attend another 'public rehearsal'. On average, you will have worked with your players approximately 3 times before continuing to work on the material together during the audition. We'd love to see how you direct. Show what your theatre, your fascination, vision and style are! What is your way of working?
In addition to these two public rehearsals, you will have a 1-on-1 conversation (on the first or second day) with Marieke Plantinga, training coordinator and internal coach.