OPEN CALLS

‍Application period from May 10 to June 12 2026:
- Open call for CPH STAGE SELECTED. This application round is only open to large-scale productions (minimum of 5 performers on stage & a budget over 350,000 DKK) and applies to both 2027 (festival period June 3-12) and 2028 (festival period June 1-10). Remember to invite our programme committee to your performance if you plan to apply.

Application period in the fall of 2026:
- Open call for CPH STAGE SELECTED. This application round is open to all productions that believe they fit the festival’s criteria. Smaller productions can only apply for 2027 (festival period June 3-12), while large-scale productions (minimum of 5 performers on stage & a budget over 350,000 DKK) can also apply for 2028 (festival period June 1-10). Remember to invite our programme committee if you plan to apply.

About CPH STAGE SELECTED

CPH STAGE SELECTED consists of approximately five Danish productions each year, aiming to strengthen the festival’s audience programme with a selection of inspiring performances that audiences can relate to.

Selected productions must have premiered no later than December 1 before the festival. The production must also be presented at least three times during the festival (June 3-12, 2027 and June 1-10, 2028). Only professional productions for adult audiences are curated. The festival only curates completed productions that the jury has been able to see either live or via a documentation video. The festival does not curate productions that have a run in Copenhagen immediately before the festival.

Please send premiere invitations to info@cphstage.com and state that the invitation is intended for the programme committee.

There are two application rounds per year: one in early summer and one in autumn. The committee determines how many grants are awarded in each round. Productions not selected in the first round may be reconsidered in the following one.

CRITERIA

Productions are selected based on the following criteria: relevance, originality, and quality.
- Relevance means relevance to someone – in this case, to the audience. A production is relevant when it engages with themes, trends, events, or other aspects related to the audience’s lives, our contemporary world, and the society we live in. Older productions and traditional forms of expression can absolutely be relevant. 
- Originality may be expressed through form, subject matter, casting – or, more broadly, through a distinctive and recognizable artistic voice. It is something that stands out and challenges our perception of performing arts – which is always relevant.
- Quality refers to craftsmanship and artistic mastery – whether in acting, directing, choreography, scenography, or in dramaturgy and the performing arts’ unique synthesis across different forms of expression.  

The festival strives to present the best productions that underline the performing arts as an essential and vital part of contemporary culture.

PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

The programme committee is composed to ensure strong professional expertise through industry representatives with relevant and up-to-date artistic insight. The selection also aims for geographic and genre diversity and includes members who have seen a significant number of productions throughout the year.

The committee consists of:
Morten Krogh, Director, CPH STAGE
Lene Grønborg, Member of the Reumert Jury
Peter Westphael, Theatre Director, Randers Teater
Tina Tarpgaard, Artistic Director, Sydhavn Teater
Alexander Mayah Larsen, Theatre Director, Blaagaard Teater
Simone Wierød, Artistic Director, Wired Studio

FINANCES

Through this open call, applicants can apply for support to cover costs such as transport, accommodation, fees, production, venue, touring adaptation, etc. Based on the submitted budget, negotiations with the festival will take place regarding the composition of the support, potential co-financing, and other funding sources. Submitted budgets must include all income and expenses and use this template. The distribution of ticket income will be negotiated based on the festival’s contribution.

Theatres and groups curated by CPH STAGE must comply with current collective agreements. Dansk Scenekunst has a specific agreement with the Danish Actors’ Association regarding CPH STAGE. You can view the 2025 agreement HERE.

As CPH STAGE receives funding from the State and the City of Copenhagen, our partners must comply with the City of Copenhagen’s labour clause requirements – meaning expectations regarding pay and working conditions, including working hours, residence, and work permits. You can read more about collective agreements and labour clauses HERE.

APPLICATION

This open call is currently closed for applications.

For questions regarding CPH STAGE SELECTED, please contact Head of Production Sarah Sarina Rommedahl at sarah@cphstage.com.

The ticket sale for the National Tour Days has begun. If you are a presenter from a theatre association, a venue or a cultural centre, you can read more and buy your ticket here.

Application period in the fall of 2026: 
- Open Call for National Tour Days 2027. For touring productions on commercial terms and for performances that meet the criteria for the Tour Network Denmark scheme – either already accepted into the network or wishing to apply for inclusion.

ABOUT NATIONAL TOUR DAYS

National Tour Days, under CPH STAGE, invites Danish theatres and groups to apply for inclusion in the program with their touring productions scheduled to tour during the 2027/28 or 2028/29 seasons.

The National Tour Days serve as a platform where presenters from theatre associations, venues, and cultural centers across the country can experience a broad selection of full-length touring performances.

CRITERIA

CPH STAGE prioritises productions that already have plans to go on tour and have taken the framework for touring in Denmark into account, for example:

- Productions that have been accepted into, or are applying for acceptance into, the Danish Touring Network for the 27/28 and 28/29 seasons.
- Productions that have a plan for touring on commercial terms.
- Touring productions from the Royal Danish Theatre, the regional theatres, the Jutland Opera, and the theatres under the Copenhagen Theatre Partnership.

Producers must be able to manage and organise a tour and deliver the offered production in the following season.

CPH STAGE selects a varied programme of 5–8 productions.

FINANCES

Performance or ticket purchase depends on whether it is a public performance or one shown exclusively in connection with the Tour Days. Maximum fee: DKK 30,000 per performance. Submitted budgets must include all income and expenses and use THIS TEMPLATE.

Theatres and groups curated by CPH STAGE must comply with applicable collective agreements. Dansk Scenekunst has a special collective agreement with the Danish Actors’ Association regarding CPH STAGE. You can view the 2025 agreement HERE.

Since CPH STAGE receives funding from the State and the City of Copenhagen, it is a requirement that our partners comply with the City of Copenhagen’s labour clauses – meaning expectations regarding pay and working conditions, including working hours and residence/work permits. You can read more about collective agreements and labour clauses HERE.

APPLICATION

This open call is currently closed for applications.
‍
For questions about the Open Call for National Tour Days at CPH STAGE 2026, please contact Head of Production Sarah Sarina Rommedahl at sarah@cphstage.com‍

Application round from October 21, 2025 to January 29, 2026
Application round from May 10 to June 12, 2026

CPH STAGE’s National Mobility Fund helps ensure that performances produced outside the Capital Region or on Bornholm are presented as part of the festival’s open program.

With this initiative, we strengthen the festival’s program for the Danish audience with performances from all over the country. In addition, the festival and the initiative contribute to giving good performances the opportunity to be restaged and possibly go on tour for the benefit of even more audiences in other regions.

A limited number of professional performances may be selected to receive a contribution from CPH STAGE’s National Mobility Fund. The performance must be produced in Denmark, and the theatre/group must be based outside the Capital Region or on Bornholm. The performance must be presented as part of the festival either in 2026 or 2027 and must have premiered before the relevant festival. The festival’s budget template must be used and can be downloaded HERE.

FINANCES

Through this open call, it is possible to apply for coverage of expenses for transport, accommodation, fees, production, and venue. A maximum of DKK 50,000 excl. VAT can be applied for.

Theatres and groups curated by CPH STAGE must comply with applicable collective agreements. Dansk Scenekunst enters into a special collective agreement with the Danish Actors’ Association regarding CPH STAGE. You can see the agreement from 2025 HERE.

As CPH STAGE receives funding from the State and the City of Copenhagen, it is a prerequisite for our contribution that our partners meet the City of Copenhagen’s requirements regarding labour clauses; that is, expectations concerning pay and working conditions, including working hours and residence and work permits. You can read more about collective agreements and labour clauses HERE.

APPLICATION

You apply via the platform Eventotron, where you must create a profile. You do this with an email and a password. After that, you can apply under the menu ‘Festivals & Seasons’, where you must find CPH STAGES NATIONALE MOBILITETSPULJE. You can easily locate it using the search function.

‍APPLY HERE

For questions regarding National Mobility Fund, please contact Head of Production Sarah Sarina Rommedahl at SARAH@CPHSTAGE.COM.

Application period in the fall of 2026: 

About Exchange at CPH STAGE

Exchange is CPH STAGE’s international platform that connects Danish artists with the global stage. The International Days (May 28–29, 2026) are part of Exchange and bring together Danish performing artists with international professionals through a curated program consisting of:

- Pitches of Danish performances
- Networking activities
- International and Danish performances

Each year, a rotating international jury selects which pitches will be part of the program. The rotating jury ensures diverse perspectives on Danish performing arts.

This year’s jury consists of: Anna Torkkel, Artistic Director at Ehkä-production & Contemporary Art Space Kutomo; Leena Kela, Artistic Director at New Performance Turku Biennale; and Pontus Petterson, Organizer & Curator at My Wild Flag, an international dance and performance festival.

Who Can Apply

This open call is for artists and companies based in Denmark. Applicants must choose between:

Pitch a production that is ready to tour
- The production must have premiered before the application deadline.
- Applicants must provide photo and video documentation of the performance for their pitch at CPH STAGE 2026.
- Present a 5-minute pitch to an international industry audience.
- Pitches will take place on either May 28 or 29, 2026, at The Royal Playhouse (10:00–11:00).

Pitch your artistic practice
- Applicants must provide photo and video documentation of the performance for their pitch at CPH STAGE 2026.
- Present a 5-minute pitch to an international industry audience.
- Pitches will take place on either May 28 or 29, 2026, at The Royal Playhouse (10:00–11:00).

Please note

- To ensure you are best prepared, it is mandatory to attend rehearsals (the day before) and a final run-through (on the day).
- Applicants must have a Danish CVR number.
- The application form must be completed in English.
- Applicants will be notified of selection on December 15, 2025.

Participation details

- Workshops and Feedback: We offer a preparatory workshop, feedback sessions, and opportunities to practice your pitch.
- Travel Reimbursement: CPH STAGE covers travel expenses (using public transport) for up to two participants if they live outside Greater Copenhagen.
- Delegate Access: Pitchers receive up to 2 free delegate passes, providing access to Exchange networking events and the Exchange online platform.

Submit your application

This open call is currently closed for applications.
‍
Contact International Project Manager Geir Lindahl at GEIR@CPHSTAGE.COM if you have questions regarding the application.

The International Days and Pitch are supported by the Danish Arts Foundation.

Application period from November 18 until December 31, 2025.

You can now apply to the Baltic-Nordic Fringe Network (BNFN) Global Artist Call.

BNFN is a network consisting of ten festivals across seven countries in the Baltic-Nordic region. CPH STAGE is part of the network and its Global Artist Call, which means that all performing artists based in the Nordic region can now apply to present their production at Teater FÅR302 during CPH STAGE 2026 (28 May-6 June). We are particularly interested in smaller-scale productions and new voices.

Read more about how to apply to the BNFN Global Artist Call HERE.

Application period from December 9, 2025 until February 1, 2026.

Off Stage – Rethinking Performing Arts Criticism

CPH STAGE invites critics, writers, and performing arts professionals from the Nordic region and beyond to apply for a workshop led by Springback.org, taking place during CPH STAGE from 27–29 May 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This intensive workshop focuses on developing and exploring new perspectives on writing, reflection, and critical discourse in the performing arts.

Off Stage is a platform dedicated to expanding the role of performing arts criticism today. Through workshops, lectures, public conversations, and curated gatherings during CPH STAGE 2026 and 2027, the project creates opportunities for dialogue, experimentation, and community across borders and artistic practices.

Who Can Apply?

Critics: Early-career, mid-career, and established critics based in the Nordic region or internationally who work with performing arts writing and criticism.

Broader Writing and Arts Community: Participants are interested in the intersection between writing, performance, mediation and critical reflection.

What You Receive

Selected participants will gain access to:
- Participation in the workshop during 27–29 May 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- A travel subsidy covering travel, accommodation, and per diem.
- Delegate pass to the Exchange at CPH STAGE 2026 May 28-June 6, including the International Days on May 28-29 at the Royal Danish Playhouse in Copenhagen – a networking platform uniting performing arts professionals from across the globe. With the pass, you gain access to the entire International Days programme, including snacks and lunch, as well as discounted tickets to a wide range of performances throughout the festival.
- Publication possibilities through partner platforms (bastard.blog, springback.org, and others).
- Networking with critics, artists, presenters, and festival guests attending. ‍

We are looking for

We welcome 6-8 participants from anywhere in the world. Your nationality or location does not matter.

The programme will be held in English. Spoken and written proficiency is required, but you don’t need to be a native speaker to take part. ‍

Programme Timeline (2025–2026)

Dec 2025 – Feb 2026
- Selection of participants
- Public announcement of selected critics and writers

Spring 2026
- Online preparation session

May 2026
- Off Stage Gathering at CPH STAGE, including the workshop, lectures, and public events

Why Apply?

By participating, you will:
- Strengthen and practice your skills as a writer or critic.
- Understand the position of the writer and critic as a connector and communicator.
- Connect with peers across the Nordic region and internationally.
- Build lasting networks with critics, artists, and audiences.
- Contribute to rethinking what criticism can be today – and in the future.

Whether you are an emerging critic, an established writer seeking new approaches, or an artist interested in reflective practice, Off Stage offers a unique space for growth and exchange. ‍

How to Apply

You apply via the platform Eventotron, where you must create a profile. You do this with an email and a password. After that, you can apply under the menu ‘Festivals & Seasons’, where you must find Open Call: Off Stage – Rethinking Performing Arts Criticism. You can easily locate it using the search function.

Application deadline: February 1, 2026

Please prepare

- A short motivation statement, including interest in writing and criticism (max 250 words).
- A brief bio (max 250 words).
- Links to writing samples or relevant work (if applicable). ‍

Questions?

Please contact International Project Manager Geir Lindahl at geir@cphstage.com ‍

Partners

Main Partners:
- Springback.org (EU)
- bastard.blog (DK/NO/SE)

Associated Partners:
- Foreningen Danske Teaterjournalister (DK)
- Leikhús SKIFT (FO)
- The Finnish Critics’ Association (FI)

Supporting Partners:
- The Development Platform for Performing Arts (DK)
- Performing Arts Platform (DK)
- Performing Arts Centre Iceland (IS)

This programme is made possible with support from the Nordic Culture Fund.

Application period from December 9, 2025 until February 15, 2026.

EAP – Buddy ProgramME for Emerging Artists & Producers

CPH STAGE invites emerging artists and producers based in the Nordic region to apply for the EAP – Buddy Programme, a two-year professional development initiative designed to strengthen international networks, build industry skills, and provide guided access to major performing arts platforms.

Nordic region = Nordic countries = Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland

The EAP programme supports early-career professionals by pairing them with experienced artists and producers who serve as “buddies.” Through shared activities, curated networking events, talks, and participation in CPH STAGE, the programme offers an inside pathway into the international performing arts field.

What You Receive

- Guided participation at CPH STAGE International Days (2026 & 2027).
- Guidance by established artists and producers experienced in international markets.
- Participation in ILT Festival (Aarhus, 2027).
- Online preparation sessions, follow-ups, and ongoing support throughout the programme.
- A Nordic peer cohort of 6–8 emerging artists and producers.
- Stipend: 6,600 DKK (approx. €884) to support your participation.
- Covered travel costs for programme-related festival activities.
- Accommodation provided during festival attendance and EAP events.
- Per diem / subsistence support during travel and festival participation.
- Free registration for festival events included in the programme (CPH STAGE and additional partner festivals when applicable).
- Access to industry networks, including presenters, programmers, peers, and curated professional events.

ProgramME Timeline (2025–2027)

December 2025-January 2026
- Open call selection of 6-8 emerging artists and producers based in the Nordic region.
- Recruitment of 2-3 buddies from the performing arts field.

January-March 2026
- Online preparation meeting for selected participants and buddies.

May-June 2026
- EAP Gathering at CPH STAGE, including International Days on May 28–29.

June-August 2026
- Follow-up: surveys, evaluation, and one-on-one sessions based on participant needs.

October-December 2026
- Buddy reconnection and preparation for 2027 activities.

January-March 2027
- Online preparation meeting.

May–June 2027
- EAP Gathering at CPH STAGE, including International Days.
- Participation in ILT Festival, Aarhus (DK).

Why Apply?

The EAP programme helps emerging artists and producers build a strong foundation for international careers. It opens doors to networks and professional platforms that can be difficult to access early on. Through guidence, peer exchange, and hands-on experience at major festivals, participants gain concrete tools, confidence, and insights into how to navigate and benefit from professional networking in the performing arts.

Who we are looking for

We would love to welcome 6-8 participants. Your nationality or age is not important, but you should currently live in one of these Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, or Åland.

Please submit your application in English. The programme will also run in English. You should feel comfortable speaking and writing it, but do not worry – you do not need to be a native speaker to join us.

How to Apply

You apply via the platform Eventotron, where you must create a profile. You do this with an email and a password. After that, you can apply under the menu ‘Festivals & Seasons’, where you must find Open Call: EAP – Buddy Programme for Emerging Artists & Producers. You can easily locate it using the search function.

Application deadline is February 15, 2026.

Questions?

You are welcome to contact International Project Manager Geir Lindahl at geir@cphstage.com

Partners

Main Partners
- CPH STAGE (DK)
- Circus & Dance Info Finland (FI)
- Theatre Info Finland TINFO (FI)
- Nordic House in the Faroe Islands (FO)
- The National Theatre of Greenland (GL)
- Performing Arts Centre Iceland (IS)

Associated Partners
- The Development Platform for Performing Arts (DK)
- Performing Arts Platform (DK)

This programme is made possible with support from the Culture and Art Programme, financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

CPH STAGE does not have any open calls aimed at international companies wishing to present their production at the festival. If you have a production you would like to have considered for CPH STAGE, you can send us some information via this FORM.

Please note that the festival currently presents two to three international productions each year.