1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Bern Academy of the Arts
  3. Studies
  4. Bachelor's degree programmes
  5. Theatre/Acting
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Theatre/Acting

Do you shine on stage? The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre teaches you acting skills and offers you practical insights into theatre practice.

The programme is rooted in the tradition of the Bern Drama School which has been recognised as an innovative academy for future actors. In the course of your studies you will acquire acting skills and realise your own projects. The subsequent Master programme Acting for Screen & Digital Media allows you to expand your performative proficiency in the fields of film and digital media.

Actor Steffi Fries points out the many facets of the acting programme at HKB.

Start your studies in spring 2026.

Factsheet

  • Title/Degree Bachelor of Arts Theater
  • Mode of study Full-time (6 semesters)
  • Start date Spring semester 2026: February 2026
    Spring semester 2027: February 2027
  • Application deadline Spring semester 2027: 15 October 2026
  • ECTS credits 180 ECTS credits
  • Teaching language German
  • Location Bern (+ location of partner theatre for work experience in the 6th semester)
  • School Bern Academy of the Arts

Contact

Structure + Content

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre emphasises practical acting work, the development of your personal artistic language and the development and realisation of your own artistic ideas.

What you will gain with your degree

After completing this Bachelor's degree programme, you will have acquired a broad range of acting and performance skills and will be able to develop, carry out and critically reflect on your own artistic projects across a range of disciplines.

In addition to practical skills, this Bachelor's degree equips you with basic theoretical and methodological knowledge which you can apply to your own artistic practice.

Unleashing Potential Through Partnerships

As a student of the Bachelor in Theatre, you will benefit from the HKB's long-standing partnerships with universities in Switzerland and abroad, from international partners as well as from our networks.

Work experience semester at a partner theatre

Via the "Ständige Konferenz Schauspielschulen", the Theatre division is networked with the other performing arts universities in the German-speaking world. For the work experience semesters the HKB cooperates with Bühnen Bern, Luzerner Theater, Theater St. Gallen and Theater Freiburg.

Studying abroad

You can do part of your degree programme or an internship abroad and expand your cultural and language skills.
 

Take a look at the information provided by HKB International Office

Combining theory and practice in research projects

We closely connect training, practice and research. You can gain experience in the following research areas during your studies already.

Take a look at the projects of the research Institute ‘Practices and Theories in the Arts’.

Career Prospects

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre constitutes the first artistic qualification and a part of the two-stage acting programme at the HKB. It qualifies you for entry into the profession or a subsequent Master's degree programme.

Your career depends on your specialisation. An advanced Master's programme aids a specific focus. The degree qualifies you for work in professional theatre according to the international standards in your chosen specialisation.

Ready for a Dynamic Work Environment?

This Bachelor's degree provides you with the basic skills you need to work in professional theatre in the German-speaking world.

There are many career opportunities for theatre professionals, but competition on the labour market is intense. In addition to fixed contracts at theatres, working as a freelance artist is becoming increasingly important. Flexibility and a constant willingness to learn are fundamental requirements for a successful artistic career.

Our graduates work in the following areas:

  • Actor in straight theatre
  • Collaboration with professional independent theatre companies
  • Independent projects in the field of performance or other disciplines related to theatre
  • Speaker for radio, dubbing or audio books
  • Work in related fields such as theatre education or coaching

Further study options

The Master Acting for Screen & Digital Media helps you expand your acting skills so that you can act professionally on a theatre stage as well as in film or in a motion capture studio. 

Take a look at the Master of Arts Acting for Screen & Digital Media

Duration + Content

The full-time programme runs for six semesters. Studying part-time is not an option.

Do you need advice on planning your studies? We would be happy to support you.

Full-time or part-time?

This is a full-time course. We recommend that you limit your weekly workload to a maximum of eight hours. This will give you enough time for your classes, lectures, projects and exam preparation.

Programme Schedule

The Bachelor's degree programme in Theatre is organised into six module groups that cover both the practical and theoretical aspects of theatre. During your studies, you will also have the opportunity to create and present your own theatre, dance, or performance projects.

Programme Modules

The Bachelor in Theatre programme comprises the following six module groups:

In this group of modules you acquire the following skills:

  • Basic acting and performing skills and training in acting techniques
  • Developing an awareness of your own unique creative potential
  • Scene studies, seminars on the basics of acting and improvisation

In this group of modules you acquire the following skills:

  • Building awareness for the interplay of perception and physical expression in the subjects of dance, acrobatics, aikido and movement
  • Expanding, differentiating and individualising options of physical expression
  • Practising the conscious use of physical impulses and body memory as a starting point for improvisation and creation

In this group of modules you acquire the following skills:

  • Practising individual means of spoken, vocal and sung expression
  • Mastering and using the voice in acting and performance as well as independently developing it and adapting it to the aesthetic requirements of a theatre production

In this group of modules you acquire the following skills:

  • Providing and applying methods and knowledge to enable reflection and communication about theatre (e.g. theatre theory, performance analysis, cultural history lecture)
  • Studying artistic works not related to theatre and contextualising your individual artistic inquiry
  • Methods of artistic research and project development

In this group of modules you acquire the following skills in the context of projects and electives:

  • Practical consolidation of theatrical and interdisciplinary artistic methods
  • Creative techniques and the development and realisation of projects at an artistic and organisational level
  • Electives, e.g. in the fields of film acting, performance or the interdisciplinary programme at the Y Institute at HKB.

This group of modules comprises:

  • Bachelor thesis: You demonstrate the skills you have acquired in a theatre piece, a project assignment and the associated written reflection
  • Work experience semester in the company of one of the partner theatres of HKB

Objectives + Skills

At the end of the programme you will have the following skills:

  • Integrating body, voice, intellect and artistic intuition into an ‘acting instrument’.
  • Captivating and moving the audience.
  • Adapting your own ways of expression to different formats and acting styles.
  • Working on performance tasks methodically.
  • Handling the specific acting requirements of different media.
  • Mastering the theatrical sign systems of theatre.
  • Co-creating artistic processes.
  • Develop, plan, realise and reflect on your own projects.
  • Collaborate competently in interdisciplinary projects.
  • Having basic knowledge of theatre and cultural history, aesthetics, theory and history of the arts and being able to apply it.
  • Applying research methods and making artistic use of theoretical and historical knowledge.
  • Shaping your own artistic practice by reflecting on it.
  • Articulating your own artistic ideas orally and in writing.
  • Managing critical feedback about your own and other people's work as well as stating and justifying your own critical opinion appropriately.
  • Taking responsibility in a team.
  • Recognising and addressing conflicts and disagreements and making them beneficial to the work process.
  • Working well even under pressure.
  • Being able to assess your own resources sensibly.
  • Using appropriate learning strategies.
  • Understanding, applying and individually developing methods of creation.
  • Designing individualised practice programmes so as to be able to continue to expand your own acting skills and artistic techniques once the Bachelor programme is completed.

Admission Requirements

The number of places available in our programme is limited (Numerus Clausus). An examination is used to determine an applicant’s suitability for the programme. The Bachelor's degree programme in Theatre requires a distinct talent for acting, a high level of independence, potential for physical, vocal, verbal and acting expression as well as mental and physical resilience.

Your Academic Requirements

You are admitted to the programme:

  • With a baccalaureate
  • With an equivalent qualification (vocational baccalaureate, specialised baccalaureate, Abitur)

In cases of exceptional artistic talent, completion of upper secondary education (Sekundarstufe II) may be waived.

Supplementary Information on Admission

Find out which languages and prior knowledge are required before starting your studies, what the admission requirements are for international applicants, and how students are selected.

  • Distinct acting talent as well as potential for performative, physical, vocal and verbal expression.
  • Charisma and presence on stage.
  • Original artistic will to express and create as well as imagination in performing.
  • The ability to grasp and perform a text.
  • Artistic and social curiosity that points beyond issues specific to theatre.

German is taught as the stage language. At Bachelor's level the language of instruction is German, at Master's level German and English.

International applicants will require authentic and valid identification recognized by Switzerland; a visa may often be required. Successful international applicants must apply for a residence permit, and submit proof of sufficient funds. Prior to starting their studies, they will be required to obtain health insurance cover. Applicants should make sure they are fully informed about and compliant with their specific entry requirements for Switzerland.

Admissions Procedure

The admission procedure for the Bachelor's degree programme consists of two stages. On request, the first stage can be completed by video.

For the first round you can submit a video or alternatively do the test ‘live’ and on site in Bern, Berlin, Cologne, Munich or Vienna.

If you have passed the entire entrance examination, i.e. all rounds, at Bern Academy of the Arts or another public drama school in Switzerland, Germany or Austria in the last 18 months, but have not been offered a place or have declined your place, you may not have to take the pre-test.

The pre-test serves to demonstrate basic acting skills.

Note: Personal interest in a character is decisive when choosing a role. Read the whole play so that you can get to know the part as well as possible.

Application by video

Please submit a video with the following content: 

  • A short personal introduction (name, roles, motivation), max. 3 mins.
  • A monologue from ancient or classical drama, max. 3 mins.
  • A monologue from modern drama as of the beginning of the 20th century or a scene/presentation you have developed yourself, max. 3 mins.

In the video, you must be seen alone and in a full-body view; a head or upper body view is sufficient only for the personal introduction. The video does not have to be a perfect film; filming with a webcam or mobile phone camera will do.

You can upload the videos on a platform of your choice. It is your responsibility to ensure that the video can be played or the link viewed.

The deadline for submitting the video link is that of the registration deadline.

In the case of a positive assessment by the examiners, we will invite you to the second round by e-mail.

Pre-test on site (Bern, Berlin, Cologne, Munich or Vienna)

Please prepare the following for the on-site pre-test: a short monologue from ancient or classical drama, 

  • a short monologue from modern drama as of the beginning of the 20th century
  • a freely chosen short monologue or a scene/presentation you have developed yourself 
  • a short song 
  • a poem

The aptitude assessment determines admission to the degree programme.

It consists of a practical examination and an individual interview. The aptitude test assesses skills relating to the body, speaking/voice, performance/acting, the ability to think conceptually as well as self-competence.

Practical part

The basis for this is:

  • a short monologue from ancient or classical drama
  • a short monologue from modern drama as of the beginning of the 20th century
  • a freely chosen short monologue or a scene/presentation you have developed yourself 
  • a short song 
  • a poem

 
The pre-test jury may set you further preparatory tasks for the aptitude test.

Individual interview

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

Preparatory Course Theatre

Would you like to gain first insights into professional theatre work before starting a degree programme? Our division offers a six-day preparatory course for young people with a keen interest in acting.

Find out more about the preparatory course (in german)

Application

Start your studies in spring 2026.

Application Deadlines

New students are admitted to the program once a year, each spring semester. Studies begin in mid-February.

Admission Process for the Spring Semester 2027

Application deadline: Thu, 15 October 2026

All dates will be published on this page by July 2026 at the latest.

Application

The registration form for the admissions procedure for studies beginning in Spring 2027 will be available no later than July 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.

At HKB, different fees apply for programmes and examinations.

Application* and aptitude test CHF/EUR 50

Matriculation

CHF 100

Tuition fees (per semester) 

CHF 750

Tuition fees for overseas students** (per semester) 

CHF 950

Examination fee (per semester)

CHF 80

Fee for social, cultural and sport offerings (per semester)

CHF 24

Membership fee for the Bern University of Applied Sciences Student Association (VSBFH) (per semester)

 CHF 15

Leave of absence fee (per semester) 

 CHF 100

*The total fee for both parts of the examination (see above) is CHF/EUR 50, payable on the day of the pre-test before the examination. If the student passes the examination and accepts a place at the university, the matriculation fee of CHF 100 and the aptitude test fee of CHF 150 are due. If you have any questions, please contact the secretariat for your degree programme:
**Overseas students are defined as all persons with foreign nationality who, at the time of obtaining their university admission card, were not resident under civil law in Switzerland or in the Principality of Liechtenstein.
 
The matriculation fee must be paid within 10 days by credit card or, on request, by payment slip. In the latter case, a processing fee of CHF 10 will be charged. No waivers or refunds will be granted, for example for withdrawn or abandoned applications.

Auditing a course

CHF 150 per course and semester, covering one weekly lecture hour. Only passive participation in classroom instruction is possible (selected lectures and seminars, no individual instruction).

General information regarding scholarships


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

Advice + Information

Still have questions about the programme? The head of the degree programme, lecturers and students will be able to answer your questions at one of our information events.

Advice

Choosing a degree programme is an important decision. We will be happy to arrange a face-to-face chat to answer your questions and advise you on the requirements for your chosen programme.

Wolfram Heberle

  • Fachbereichsleiter Theater
  • +41 31 848 49 93
  • Show e-mail

Secretariat HKB Theater

  • +41 31 848 49 90
  • Show e-mail

The Bern University of Applied Sciences offers students a wide range of opportunities at its locations in Bern, Biel, Burgdorf and Basel to make life attractive and enjoyable during their studies.

Take a look at ‘Studies + Life’

Information Event

At our information events, you can find out everything you need to know about the degree programme, admission requirements and your career prospects. Our students talk about their experiences on the programme and give you a personal insight into their everyday life at the university.

Location + Facilities

Facilities

The location our division moved to in 2012 offers over 3'000 square metres of working and performance spaces, including three flexible stages with professional theatre technology: a main stage, studio stage and rehearsal stage.

Nine large spaces are available to students as rehearsal rooms and work studios, and there is also a room for editing video and sound.

The movement room and several studios, a workshop, a stock of props and costumes as well as a theatre library offer an excellent environment for the intensive study of theatre.

Bern, Zikadenweg 35

Nebst den Räumen vor Ort haben Sie Zugriff auf Einrichtungen an den anderen Standorten der HKB.

Das MediaLab ist das Kompetenz- und Dienstleistungszentrum für audiovisuelle Gestaltung und Fotografie an der HKB. Die Mitarbeitenden des MediaLab führen Lehrveranstaltungen durch und bieten Fotografie- und Videotrainings an. Sie beraten Sie bei inhaltlichen und technischen Fragen. Arbeitsplätze und Studios sind mit einer umfangreichen Produktionsinfrastruktur ausgerüstet und stehen rund um die Uhr zur Verfügung.

Die Mediothek ist die Bibliothek der Fachbereiche Gestaltung und Kunst sowie Konservierung und Restaurierung und des Y Instituts (Institut für Transdisziplinarität). Sie steht mit ihren 35'000 Medien allen HKB-Studierenden offen.