Theatre Instructors Course

Theatre Instructors Course – 2026/27 Edition

A three-semester course for people who want to lead amateur theatre groups – from the first meeting with a group, through work on a production, to its premiere on stage. The programme is authored and led by Natalia Fijewska-Zdanowska, a director, playwright, and instructor with over 20 years of experience working with amateur groups. The programme is supplemented by optional seminars in specific artistic techniques and group-work methods, led by experts, as well as study visits to groups run by course graduates.

The course prepares instructors to work with children, youth, adults, seniors, and intergenerational groups, positioning participants as creators. The seminars develop creativity, empathy, and sensitivity, build confidence and social competencies, deepen reflection, and foster community through theatre.

Course Structure:
- Semester I (January – June 2026) – foundation of exercises and techniques: integration, movement, gesture, facial expression, voice, acting tasks, and practical solutions for working on scripts, scenography, costumes, music, and production organization.
- Semester II (September 2026 – January 2027) – instructor practice: participants lead their own workshops and prepare internship projects.
- Semester III (February – June 2027) – instructor internships: 10 sessions with selected groups, culminating in diploma productions under the instructor's supervision.

Seminars take place approximately twice a month – on Sundays (10:00–15:00) and Fridays (17:00–22:00) in the spaces of the Polish Theatre in Warsaw, DK Dorożkarnia, and occasionally at partner programme offices. Individual sessions may be held on other weekdays. A detailed schedule is announced several months in advance.

Finale: diploma productions will be presented on the stage of the Polish Theatre in Warsaw. The finale will be accompanied by a discussion with participants and experts.