OPEN CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

For the creation of a new theatrical production for very young children (0–6 years old)

The Theatre Center for Children and Young People – ASSITEJ Cyprus participates in the four-year (2026-2030) European program "The Right Time", coordinated by the La Baracca group (Italy) and the collaboration of 13 international partners.

Within the framework of the program, an open call is announced for the selection of a professional theater/artistic group or arts professional, based in Cyprus, to create a new theatrical production for very young children (0–6 years old).

In the event of the selection of an individual professional as leader, the formation of the artistic team may take place after the selection, under his/her own responsibility, and will be subject to the approval of ASSITEJ Cyprus.

Maximum number of performers on stage: 3

The invitation is addressed to:

• either in an existing theater/art group

• either to a professional (director or choreographer) who will take on the role of leader

preferably with experience in Theater for Preschool Children (0–6 years old).

Applicants must be members in good standing of ASSITEJ Cyprus*.

What is offered?

For the implementation of the production, the following will be provided:

• Amount up to €20,000 for artistic creation and all production costs

• Additionally, ASSITEJ Cyprus will cover:

– rehearsal space rental

– rental of space and equipment for the presentation of the performance within the framework of the Mitsikouri Festival

– promotion of production within the framework of the Mitsikouri Festival

– photography and videography expenses

– selected production operating expenses

All travel and accommodation expenses for the program's actions are covered by the project.

Artistic and international dimension

The selected artists must:

• participate in a bilateral artistic hospitality with the Artika group (Greece):

– Cyprus - January 2027

– Athens - May 2027

• create the new production

• present the production at the Mitsikouri Festival 2027 (premiere) and in a partner country of the program for 6 consecutive performances

• participate in additional partner festivals (2027–2030)

The planning of the actions falling within the four-year program and the corresponding travel expenses are covered by the program. The remuneration of the contributors for tours abroad is not included in the aforementioned amount and will also be covered by the program.

After the premiere and completion of the project's obligations, the artistic team will be able to utilize and tour the production freely, with relevant reporting to the Theatre Center for Children and Young People - ASSITEJ Cyprus.

Research dimension

A team member should:

• participate in 4 online and 4 in-person meetings (the first will take place in June 2026 in Poland)

• keeps a diary of the artistic process.

Thematic framework

The program explores the sensory relationship between artist and children through:

• Chronological Time (lifetime)

• Experiential Time (time on stage)

"Time on stage is not measured, it is experienced." - Peter Brook

Submit applications

Interested parties are invited to send:

• Curriculum vitae

• Indicative artistic material (portfolio), such as:

– short audiovisual excerpt of previous work

– links to complete works or excerpts

– photographic material

– performance programs or other related material

(in a single PDF file or in a link)

• Letter of expression of interest (up to 2 pages), stating:

– the motivations for participation

– the artistic approach to the theme of Time

– any partners/collaborators

– their relationship with theater for very young ages (0-6) and/or for children

– or the reasons why they want to work in this specific field

Applications can be submitted in Greek or English.

The evaluation committee reserves the right to invite shortlisted applicants for an interview.

Evaluation committee

• Emilios Charalambides (Cyprus) – Director & Academic

• Yvette Hardie (South Africa) – Director of ASSITEJ South Africa & Past President of ASSITEJ International

• Barbara Kölling (Germany) – President Small Size Network & Artistic Director Helios Theater

Practical information

Application deadline: April 3, 2026

Sending applications:

https://forms.gle/AC3qp5JH8W5DNUib7

For more information: +357 99846645

The project is co-financed by the Creative Europe Programme.

* ASSITEJ Cyprus membership subscription can be settled or a new registration can be made before submitting the application.