We invite university theatres and student troupes to take part in the International University Theatre Festival, which will be held on 8–13 July 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside the XIII World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA). This festival is a unique cultural and educational event that brings together the global community of university theatre.

Organised in Vilnius since the year 2000, the festival is considered one of the most prominent university theatre events in the region. It provides a space for creativity, dialogue, encounters, and reflection on the most pressing issues of our time through the performing arts. We invite troupes that aim to present performances exploring today’s global realities, addressing the experiences of young people, societal changes, and social, cultural, or political challenges.

The context of the 2026 International University Theatre Festival is exceptional. For the first time, Lithuania will host the AITU-IUTA World Congress, focusing on the theme: “University Theatre in the Time of Global Challenges.” We especially welcome performances that resonate with this theme — works that reflect on the climate crisis, wars, migration waves, the impact of artificial intelligence, the aftermath of the pandemic, the search for identity, or other current issues. However, this is not a requirement – we are looking for creative, compelling, and original works that reflect your troupe’s unique character and artistic vision. Performances of any genre, aesthetic form, or language are welcome — from classical to experimental, documentary, performative, or street theatre.

Theatre traditions at Vilnius University date back to the Jesuit era — students were already staging plays in the early 16th century, and theatre has always been an integral part of academic culture. Today, this tradition is continued by the Vilnius University Culture Centre, which hosts several student troupes and organises diverse cultural projects and artistic initiatives. During the festival, in addition to performances, there will be creative workshops, discussions, networking events, and interdisciplinary projects. This is an opportunity not only to present your work but also to become a vital, dynamic part of an international theatre community.

All participating troupes will also be invited to join a collaborative street performance taking place in the heart of Vilnius Old Town. This will be a unique opportunity to co-create a live, interactive, and community-driven event that blends theatre with urban space.

If you represent a university theatre or student troupe and wish to participate in the 2026 festival, we invite you to submit an application form. Participant selection will be based on submitted performance descriptions and visual materials. Be part of this exceptional theatrical event and contribute to the global dialogue on university theatre.

Application deadline for performances at the International University Theatre Festival: 1 November 2025
Selection results and official notifications will be sent via email within one month of receiving the application, but no later than 30 November 2025.

Participants of the International University Theatre Festival are expected to cover the following:

• Travel to and from Vilnius
• Visa (if applicable)
• Health insurance (if applicable)

The number of participants per theatre group is limited. Additional fees will apply for extra participants. Detailed information will be provided after the selection process.

See you in Vilnius!
Organising Committee of the XIII AITU-IUTA World Congress