Theatre

As part of the performance module, basic acting skills are taught. The focus is on developing an awareness of one’s own unmistakable, creative potential and training in the craft of acting. This includes subjects such as Foundationseminars, Scene studies and improvisation.

In the subjects of dance, acrobatics, aikido and movement, students are made aware of the reciprocity of perception and physical expression. The aim is to expand and differentiate the possibilities of physical expression as well as an individualisation that takes into account the specific potential of each personality. In addition, a conscious handling of body impulses and body memory is trained as a starting point for improvisation and creation.

The focus of the Voice modules is to train one’s individual speaking and singing voice as a means of expression. Students learn to master these for acting and performance, to apply them, to develop them independently and to adapt them to the aesthetic requirements of theatrical work.

As part of the theory modules, methods and knowledge are taught and applied that enable students to reflect upon and communicate about theatre both in a historical context and in relation to the current theatrical landscape (including theatre history, performance analysis, cultural-historical lecture). The interaction of theory and practice plays a central role here. The examination of artistic work that is also far removed from the theatre enables the contextualization of individual, artistic engagement. In addition, methods or artistic research and project development are taught.

This module group includes project work and electives. Thus, the focus is on learning from the project and the practical deepening of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary artistic methods: creative techniques as well as the development and implementation of projects on an artistic and organizational level. Electives include a wide variety of courses, e.g. from the fields of film acting and performance or the cross-disciplinary offerings of the Y Institute of the HKB.

The Bachelor thesis, consisting of a scene performance, a project assignment and the associated written reflection, will allow students in their final year of the bachelor’s degree to demonstrate the skills they have acquired. Another part of the degree is the practical semester working as part of an ensemble in one of our partner theatres.

• Deal with critique about one’s own work and the work of others, and formulate and justify one’s own critical judgements appropriately.
• Being able to take responsibility within a team
• Recognise conflicts and contradictions, endure them and make them serve the work process.
• Being able to work well, even when under pressure.
• Be able to realistically assess one’s own resources. 

• Employ appropriate learning strategies.
• Understand, apply and individually develop methods of creation.
• Develop individual training programs and thus continuously expand one’s own performance and artistic skills even after the BA training.

As a rule, admission to the entrance examination requires a high school diploma (Abitur) or an equivalent qualification (Berufsmaturität, Fachmaturität). This requirement may be waived in the case of exceptional artistic talent.

The stage language taught is German. The language of instruction in the Bachelor’s program is German, and at the Master’s level it is German and English.

Foreign nationals require valid travel documents recognised by the Swiss government – a visa is often required. In addition, international students must apply for a residency permit and be able to provide a financial guarantee immediately after accepting the course offer. Furthermore, students must purchase health insurance before their studies begin. Please research your specific entry requirements carefully.

For the first round you can submit a video, or alternatively take the test ‘live’ and onsite in Bern, Berlin, Cologne or Munich.

If you have passed the test at the HKB or at another public university for theatre in the last 18 months, you no longer need to take the pre-test and can register directly for the aptitude test (2nd round).

The pre-test serves to demonstrate basic acting skills. Note: When choosing a role, the deciding factor should be your personal interest in the character. Read the entire play, in order to understand the role and character as best as possible.

Video audition

Please submit a video with the following content: 

• A short personal introduction (name, roles, motivation), max. 3 mins.
• A monologue from ancient or classical theatre literature, max. 3 mins.
• A monologue from modern theatre literature from the beginning of the 20th century, or a self-devised scene/presentation, max. 3 mins.

In the video, the applicants must be seen alone and in full-body view. For the personal introduction, a view of the head or upper body is sufficient. The video does not have to be a perfect film -  a webcam or cell phone camera is sufficient.

The video can be uploaded to a platform of your choice. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the video can be played or the link can be viewed.   

The deadline for submitting the video link is the registration deadline (see form). You will be contacted via email and invited to the second round, if your video is successful.

The aptitude test determines the successful admission to the programme. This year, due to the pandemic, it takes place in a shortened form within one day. It consists of a practical examination and an individual interview. The aptitude test assesses competences in the areas of body/movement, speech/voice and presentation/acting. It also assesses your self-competence and your ability to think conceptually.

Practical part

The working basis here is:

• A short monologue from ancient or classical theatre literature
• A short monologue from modern theatre literature from the beginning of the 20th century onwards
• A short monologue of your choice or a scene/presentation that you have devised yourself
• A short song
• A poem 

The audition panel may set you further preparatory tasks for the aptitude test.

Individual interview

The individual interview is based on the letter of motivation (see application) and the results of the practical examination. Important parameters in the interview are motivation, previous theatre experience (if any), professional profile and the applicant’s ability to reflect.  

General information regarding scholarships

For questions about scholarships and loans, please contact the Secretariat Theatre.

At the University of Applied Sciences BFH, we promote balance between study, work and family.

A limited number of childcare spaces are available to students at the HKB. Should you wish to find out more about this, you will find the relevant documents on the HKB Intranet.

The fees are income-based and in accordance with the cantonal rates outlined in the Verordnung über die Angebote der sozialen Integration (ASIV) of the Canton of Bern. You can apply for a childcare space using the online form on the HKB Intranet.

If you are a new student or member of staff and do not have access to the Intranet, please contact Corinne Badertscher (Ph: 031 848 33 01, corinne.badertscher@bfh.ch). There is no legal entitlement to a childcare space.

Students must also fulfill their compulsory service obligations during their studies. Please be sure to plan and coordinate your compulsory service ahead of time.

It is strongly recommended that you complete your basic military training and civil service before commencing your studies. Completing them during your studies results in absences, which can lead to an extension of the duration of the course.

General information about military and civil service

• Information zum Rekrutierungsprozess (VBS)
• Police and Military Directorate of the Canton Bern
• Informationen zu Zivildienst und Studium

Support

For more information on how to coordinate your studies and your compulsory service, please contact the HKB Student Administration (+41 31 848 49 49).

The application form for the start of studies in the spring semester 2024 will be available here as of July 2023.

The location of the theatre department, which was occupied in 2012, consists of 3000m² of working and presentation space, including three stages with professional theatre technology that can be set up flexibly: the main stage, the studio stage and the rehearsal stage. Nine large project rooms are available to students as rehearsal spaces and working studios, as well as an editing room for video and sound. The movement room and several working studios, a workshop, a fundus for props and costumes as well as a theatre library offer an excellent environment for this intensive theatre program.

In addition to the on-site rooms, you also have access to facilities at the other HKB locations. The MediaLab is the competence and service centre for audiovisual design and photography at the HKB. The staff of the MediaLab hold courses and offer photography and video training. They advise you on content-related and technical questions. Workstations and studios are equipped with an extensive production infrastructure and are available around the clock. The Media Library is the library of the Departments of Design and Art as well as Conservation and Restoration and the Y Institute (Institute for Transdisciplinary). With its 35’000 media, it is open to all HKB students.