Thomas Bernhard Institute

Jederman, Mai 2025 | © PJS

The Thomas Bernhard Institute at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg is one of Austria's most renowned and innovative places to study contemporary theatre practice.

Three study programmes are offered at the Thomas Bernhard Institute: Acting, Directing and Applied Theatre. All three programmes include a comprehensive range of practical and theoretical subjects, all centred around project based artistic work. Students therefore learn essential technical skills in a real life context, as well as continually refining their reflective capabilities. Right from the outset, our students are free to develop their own artistic practice.

The three programmes encourage an understanding of theatre from different perspectives. Independent performance practice and research projects are just as much part of the studies at Thomas Bernhard Institute as the exploration of the dramatic repertoire, performative interventions in public space and lectures on recent political struggles. Transcultural cooperation and international exchange play an important role in the study programmes at theThomas Bernhard Institute and the department frequently co-operates with international partner institutions such as the Free SZFE Budapest and the E:UTSA network.

As a place of public assembly, theatre maintains strong ties to social reality. The work of the Thomas Bernhard Institute reflects this in both the rehearsal process and the academic debate, constantly addressing issues such as the responsibility and the function of theatre, care for oneself and for each other, recognition of difference and mutual appreciation, the distribution of resources and how to negotiate topics of diversity. Critical awareness and social, political and ecological problems build the common ground for artistic work at the Thomas Bernhard Institute.

Courses

At a glance

16
Productions per year
3
Venues
9
Rehearsal rooms
20
Graduates annually

News

  • 28.7.2026
    Maria Kalesnikava opens the Salzburg Festival 

    The Belarusian flutist, conductor, cultural manager, and Honorary Professor at Mozarteum University, Maria Kalesnikava, delivered the opening speech at the Salzburg Festival last weekend. Her moving reflections on freedom, responsibility, and the unifying power of music deeply resonated with the audience, underscoring the vital role of culture in challenging times.

    News
  • © Stadt Salzburg / wildbild
    30.6.2026

    The City of Salzburg recently recognized four projects featuring interdisciplinary ideas for Salzburg. One of the projects, titled “Stadt Raum Hörbar” (City Space Audible), submitted by Florian Brand, Ulrike Hatzer, Carla Stenitzer, and Karen Werner, invites the people of Salzburg to explore the sounds of their city.

    Awards & Successes
  • © Amélie Niermeyer
    12.6.2026
    Amélie Niermeyer appointed President of the Theaterakademie August Everding 

    Amélie Niermeyer Professor at the Mozarteum University and long-time director of the Thomas Bernhard Institute, will take up the position of President of the Bayerische Theaterakademie August Everding in Munich on 1 October 2026. In her new role, the internationally renowned director will lead the largest educational institution for theatre professions in the German-speaking world. We extend our heartfelt congratulations!

    News
Artistic Theater Practice & Society

Applied Theatre

People

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Johannes Meißner | © Martina Jäger

Univ.-Prof. for Voice

Faculty
Andreas Greiml | © Christian Schneider
Andreas Greiml

Head of Events Management / Head of Technical Affairs / Lecturer in Stage Technology

Service department management
Employee
Faculty
Faculty
© Antonia Brix

Lecturer of of Directing (from October 2026)

Faculty

Lecturer in Voice Training

Guest lecturer

Lecturer in Voice Training

Guest lecturer
Stephan Pfister | © Christian Schneider
Stephan Pfister

Scheduling Coordinator / Assistant to the Head of Department / Lecturer in Cultural Management & Organisation of Work Processes

Employee
Faculty
Johanna Reider | © Martina Jäger
Employee
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