Theater Networking Talents (TNT) Festival 2026
Craiova, Romania | July 1-4, 2026
From July 1-4 2026, the eighth edition of Theater Networking Talents (TNT) will take place in Craiova, Romania. Until April 21, 2026, directors, choreographers, and performance makers who have completed their graduation productions during the 2025-2026 academic year are invited to apply with their performances.
The submitted work must constitute a graduation production (diploma performance) completed as part of degree programs in: Theatre Directing, Choreography, Performance, Applied Theatre, or any study program culminating in a full-length staged work. Productions may have been created at a theatre academy or at a professional theatre venue, provided they fulfill graduation requirements.
Applicants do not need to have previous professional productions. Please enclose your complete artistic CV in your application documents.
About Theater Networking Talents
Theater Networking Talents (TNT) is an international festival dedicated to young theatre directors, organized by Marin Sorescu National Theatre in Craiova, Romania.
Since 2017, TNT has served as a meeting ground for theatre schools across Europe, bringing together graduation productions that reveal emerging trends, new aesthetics, diverse directing practices. By placing these works in dialogue, the festival becomes a space where methods and creative processes can be compared, questioned, and shared. Young artists discover how their generation is rewriting the language of theatre.
6 Productions
Annually in July, TNT invites six productions from European theatre academies to Craiova. The festival showcases the range of different artistic approaches, dramaturgies, and forms of contemporary theatre making emerging from a new generation.
Each performance is followed by moderated Q&A sessions with the audience, invited professionals, and the artistic team.
TNT Alumni
TNT alumni work today in national theatres across Romania, are selected for international festivals, receive awards, and continue to form an active network of collaboration and mutual support. The festival facilitates direct connections between emerging artists and decision-makers in the Romanian and European theatre landscape.
Application Requirements
Eligibility:
- Directors, choreographers, or performance makers who have completed their graduation production (diploma work) during the 2025-2026 academic year (including productions premiering by June 2026)
- Study programs: Theatre Directing, Choreography, Performance, Applied Theatre, or any program culminating in a full-length staged production
- Productions created at theatre academies or professional theatres (if constituting graduation work)
- Applicants from universities in EU member states, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Switzerland, United Kingdom, and European countries with visa-free travel to Romania (including Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Ukraine, Georgia)
- No previous professional productions required
Application Materials:
Download and complete the Application Form (available in Romanian or English) and gather all required materials listed below. All materials can be submitted in Romanian or English.
Required:
- Completed Application Form
- Concept paper or project description – Artistic approach, themes, methodology (500-1000 words)
- University and Study Program – Name of institution and degree program completed (e.g. "National University of Theatre and Film Bucharest – MA in Theatre Directing")
- CV of the director(s) – Artistic and educational background
- Photographs or promotional materials
- Recording of the production – Complete performance via unlisted YouTube / Vimeo / Google Drive / Dropbox link (NOT via file transfer services)
If recording not yet available (productions premiering after application deadline):
- Written presentation detailing concept and motivation
- 15-30 minute rehearsal recording or excerpts
Optional (if available):
- Performance dates and venue information
- Press reviews or documentation materials
- Any other materials you consider relevant to your application
Submission format: Send all materials either as a single PDF or as a folder link (Google Drive, Dropbox) with clearly named files to: denisa.neatu@tntfestival.ro
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Important Notes
Surtitles:
Selected productions will be required to provide English surtitles for festival performances.
Technical Information:
A detailed technical package (stage dimensions, lighting plot, available equipment) will be sent to selected participants.
Financial Support:
Within the limits of its financial possibilities, the festival will cover accommodation, meals, and technical assistance for showcased performances. Transportation solutions will be arranged collaboratively with selected participants.
Please note: As is standard for international showcase festivals for emerging artists, TNT is unable to offer performance fees or honoraria.
Copyright Responsibility:
Applicants are responsible for securing all rights related to the text, music, or media used in their production. Note: Please confirm with your institution regarding performance rights for works produced as part of your degree program.
Contact & Information
For questions about the festival or application process:
Denisa Neațu | Festival Director
denisa.neatu@tntfestival.ro
Festival Website: www.tntfestival.ro
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theaternetworking
Instagram: @theaternetworkingtalents