OPEN CALLS

Application period from October 21 to November 25 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.

‍Application period from May 10 to June 19 2027:
- 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 2028 (festival period June 1-10) and 2029 (festival period May 31-June 9). Remember to invite our programme committee to your performance 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 performances are chosen 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  
- Peter Westphael, Theatre Director, Randers Teater   
- Alexander Mayah Larsen, Theatre Director, Blaagaard Teater
- Simone Wierød, Artistic Director, Wired Studio
- Trine Wøldiche, Member of the Reumert jury, theatre critic and culture journalist

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 budget should take into account that the festival is to receive a share of the ticket revenue. The exact split will be negotiated based on the festival’s contribution.

The festival expects all participating theatres to comply with the applicable collective agreements. As CPH STAGE receives funding from the Danish state and the City of Copenhagen’s Culture and Leisure Committee, our support is conditional upon our partners, including sponsors, complying with the requirement to include labour clauses. This means meeting the requirements regarding pay and working conditions, including working hours and residence and work permits.

APPLICATION

Applications are submitted via the Eventotron platform, where you need to create a profile using an email and password. You can then apply under the ‘Seasons’ menu by finding CPH STAGE UDVALGTE 2027 & 2028. You can easily locate it using the search function.

Apply HERE

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

Application period: October 21-November 25 2026:
Open call for CPH STAGE JUNIOR. This application round is open to all productions that consider themselves a good fit for the festival’s criteria. If you are considering applying, please remember to invite our programme committee to see your production by emailing INFO@CPHSTAGE.COM and stating that the invitation is intended for the programme committee.

ABOUT CPH STAGE JUNIOR

Each year, CPH STAGE JUNIOR presents five selected Danish productions, strengthening the festival’s programme for audiences aged 0–16 with a selection of inspiring performances that young audiences can relate to and see themselves reflected in.

CRITERIA

- Selected productions must have premiered before the time of application and be approved for public subsidy reimbursement.
- The production must be available to be presented at least three times during the festival, which takes place from June 3-12 2027, at one of the partner theatres: Riddersalen, Anemonen, Teatret Zeppelin, Teater ZeBU, Teater Hund & Co and Batida.
- Productions must not be co-produced or produced by any of the partner theatres.
- Only professional productions for audiences aged 0–16 will be considered.
- The festival only curates fully produced productions that the programme committee has been able to experience in person, via a video recording or through other material that provides an accurate representation of the production.
- The festival only curates productions that are not scheduled to run in Copenhagen immediately before the festival.

Productions will be selected based on the following criteria: relevance, originality and quality.
- Relevance means relevance to an audience. A production is relevant when it engages with themes, trends, events or other matters that relate to the lives of its audience, the times we live in and the society of which we are all a part. Older productions and traditional forms of expression can be just as relevant.
- Originality may lie in the form of expression, the choice of subject matter, the casting or, more broadly, in a distinctive, original and recognisable artistic approach. It is about having a unique artistic identity and challenging our perception of the performing arts – something that is always relevant.
- Quality means technical and artistic excellence. This may be evident in acting, directing, dance and scenography, but also in areas such as dramaturgy and the distinctive way in which the performing arts bring different forms of expression together.

In curating the programme, the programming committee also aims to ensure diversity in voices, themes and genres, creating a broad and varied programme that appeals to a wide range of audiences.

The festival strives to present the very best productions, highlighting the performing arts as an essential and important part of contemporary society.

PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

The programme committee consists of representatives from the partner theatres in Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, the festival director and two external representatives with relevant and current artistic expertise.

The committee comprises:
- Morten Krogh, Festival Director, CPH STAGE
- Sidsel Ramdal, Theatre Director, Anemonen
- Henrik Køhler, Theatre Director, Riddersalen
- Henriette Kudsk, Events and Touring Manager, Teater ZeBU
- Representative from Batida
- Adeleide Bentzon, Artistic Director, Teater Hund & Co
- Amanda Linnea Ginman, Artistic Director, Teatret Zeppelin
- Ditte Felding, Theatre Manager, Filuren
- Helga Rosenfeldt-Olsen, Artistic director, WunschMachine

FINANCes

Through this open call, applicants can apply for funding to cover transport, accommodation and fees. Based on the submitted budget, negotiations will take place with the festival during the curation process to agree on the composition of the financial support, any contribution from the applicant and funding from other sources. Submitted budgets must include all income and expenditure and use THIS TEMPLATE. If the production has a performance fee listed in Den Røde Brochure for touring purposes, applicants may apply on the basis of this fee instead of submitting a detailed budget. Ticket revenue goes to the festival and the partner theatres.

The festival expects all participating theatres to comply with the applicable collective agreements. As CPH STAGE receives funding from the Danish state and the City of Copenhagen’s Culture and Leisure Committee, our support is conditional upon our partners, including sponsors, complying with the requirement to include labour clauses. This means meeting the requirements regarding pay and working conditions, including working hours and residence and work permits.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted via the Eventotron platform, where you will need to create a profile using an email address and password. You can then apply via the ‘Seasons’ menu, where you should select CPH STAGE JUNIOR 2027 (udvalgte 0-16 år). You can find it by entering the title in the search field.

Apply HERE

For enquiries about CPH STAGE JUNIOR, please contact Head of Production Marie Viltoft Polli at MARIE@CPHSTAGE.COM.

Application round from October 21 to November 25, 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 programme.

With this initiative, we strengthen the festival’s programme 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 productions may be selected to receive funding from CPH STAGE’s National Mobility Fund. The production must have been created in Denmark, be intended for audiences aged 16 and over, and be presented by a theatre company or group based outside the Capital Region of Denmark or on the island of Bornholm. The production must be presented as part of the festival in either 2027 or 2028 and must have premiered before the relevant festival.

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. The festival’s budget template must be used and can be downloaded HERE.

The festival expects all participating theatres to comply with the applicable collective agreements. As CPH STAGE receives funding from the Danish state and the City of Copenhagen’s Culture and Leisure Committee, our support is conditional upon our partners, including sponsors, complying with the requirement to include labour clauses. This means meeting the requirements regarding pay and working conditions, including working hours and residence and work permits.

APPLICATION

Applications are submitted via the Eventotron platform, where you need to create a profile using an email and password. You can then apply under the ‘Seasons’ menu by finding CPH STAGE NATIONALE MOBILITETSPULJE 2027. 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 from October 21 to November 25, 2026: 

About Exchange at CPH STAGE

Exchange is CPH STAGE’s international platform that connects Danish artists with the global stage. The International Days (June 3–4, 2027) are part of Exchange and bring together Danish performing artists with international professionals through a curated programme 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 programme. The rotating jury ensures diverse perspectives on Danish performing arts. In 2026, the jury consisted of:
- Anna Torkkel, Artistic Director at Ehkä-production & Contemporary Art Space Kutomo
- Leena Kela, Artistic Director at New Performance Turku Biennale
- 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 2027.
- Present a 5-minute pitch to an international industry audience.
- Pitches will take place on June 3 and 4, 2027, at The Royal Danish Playhouse.

Pitch your artistic practice
- Applicants must provide photo and video documentation of the performance for their pitch at CPH STAGE 2027.
- Present a 5-minute pitch to an international industry audience.
- Pitches will take place on June 3 and 4, 2027, at The Royal Danish Playhouse.

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.

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

Applications are submitted via the Eventotron platform, where you need to create a profile using an email and password. You can then apply under the ‘Seasons’ menu by finding CPH STAGE: Pitch at CPH STAGE International Days 2027. You can easily locate it using the search function.

Apply HERE

Contact International Project Manager Lene Bang at lene@cphstage.com if you have questions regarding the application.

Application period from October 21 to November 22, 2026:

CPH STAGE invites three Danish performing arts professionals, including artists, producers, curators, presenters, festival directors, venue managers, and agents, to join a delegation trip to Kenya in February 2027.

The trip is designed to strengthen connections between the Danish and Kenyan performing arts sectors while creating opportunities for future collaborations, touring, artistic exchange, and international partnerships.

Nairobi – Performing Arts & Cultural Exchange

Dates of travel: February 23-27, 2027

Meet artists, producers, media/bloggers, and cultural leaders from Kenya and East Africa. Participate in curated networking events and matchmaking sessions. Visit theatres, events, cultural organisations, and creative hubs in Nairobi.
Explore opportunities for co-productions, touring, residencies, and artistic collaborations. Gain insight into one of Africa's most dynamic performing arts ecosystems.

The delegation offers valuable industry insight and networking opportunities for professionals seeking to develop international collaborations and expand their professional networks.

Delegation Selection

The delegation will be selected by CPH STAGE in collaboration with Sarakasi Trust (linktr.ee.), local partners in Nairobi, and The Danish Cultural Institute.

The selection process is designed to ensure strong representation from the Danish performing arts sector and a group of delegates well matched to opportunities within the Kenyan performing arts landscape.

Application

- Applicants must have a Danish CVR number.
- The call is open to artists, producers, curators, presenters, festival directors, venue managers, and agents.
- Deadline for the call is Monday November 22, 2026 at 14:00. Applicants will get an answer by December 2, 2026.

Applications are submitted via the Eventotron platform, where you need to create a profile using an email and password. You can then apply under the ‘Seasons’ menu by finding CPH STAGE: Trade Mission Kenya 2027. You can easily locate it using the search function.

Apply HERE

Each selected delegate will receive

- Artists/producers/agents with a focus on presenting their work internationally: DKK 15,000 in travel support.
- Festivals/presenters with a focus on inviting and presenting international work in their own context: DKK 7,500 in travel support.

Participants are expected to actively engage in all delegation activities.

Important Information

- Delegates should plan for additional costs beyond the travel support.
- A digital information meeting will be held prior to departure.
- A preparatory networking workshop will be offered before the trip.

Please Note

- The application form must be completed in English.
- Your application will be deleted after 1 year. 

Questions?

Please contact International Project Manager Lene Bang lene@cphstage.com.

Trade Mission to Kenya 2027 is organised in Collaboration with Sarakasi Trust, local cultural partners in Nairobi and The Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi.

About the Delegation

Nairobi is one of the leading cultural hubs in East Africa, bringing together artists and organisations working across theatre, dance, circus, performance and interdisciplinary practices. Through this delegation, Danish performing arts professionals will gain access to new networks, perspectives and collaboration opportunities while contributing to a growing dialogue between the performing arts communities of Denmark and Kenya.

This delegation forms part of CPH STAGE's long-term Africa effort 2026-2030, which seeks to establish lasting international relationships through sustained exchange, mutual learning and artistic collaboration.

Application period from October 21 to December 21, 2026.

CPH STAGE will continue its collaboration with Baltic Nordic Fringe Network (BNFN) and TEATER FÅR302 in 2027, presenting new performing arts works from across the Nordic and Baltic region. BNFN brings together ten independent festivals in seven countries, creating opportunities for artistic exchange, international visibility, and touring across the region.

Through the joint open call, artists based in the Nordic and Baltic countries are invited to submit proposals for small-scale works that challenge and renew the relationship between stage and audience. New and underrepresented voices are particularly encouraged to apply.

One or two productions will be selected for presentation during CPH STAGE International Days on June 3-4, 2027. CPH STAGE takes place from June 3-12, 2027, bringing together Danish and international performing arts as part of one of the largest theatre festivals in the Nordic region.

Application

Applications are submitted via the Eventotron platform, where you need to create a profile using an email and password. You can then apply under the ‘Seasons’ menu by finding Baltic Nordic Fringe Network (BNFN) 2027. You can easily locate it using the search function.

Apply HER

Contact International Project Manager Lene Bang at lene@cphstage.com if you have questions regarding the application.
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Read more about BNFN 2027 Artist Call her.