STEP

The international research group 'Project on European Theatre Systems' (STEP) is an initiative of Prof. Dr. Hans van Maanen (University of Groningen, the Netherlands) and Prof. Dr. Andreas Kotte (University of Bern, Switzerland). Main goal is the comparison of the theatre systems of small European countries, because the general research in theatre untill now is dominantly carried out in the bigger countries. At this

moment seven European countries participate: Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The participating researchers meet yearly during a symposium in one of the countries (Groningen 2005, Bern 2006, Debrecen 2007, Groningen and Tartu 2008, Lissabon 2009, Groningen 2010, Aarhus 2011). The main interest of this meeting is exchange of knowledge and experience and working together on specific topics that should result in publications. It is also a place for PhD and junior researchers to meet senior researchers.

At the moment there are three study groups working on relevant topics: the policy group (autonomy), the values group (methodology of value research) and the city group (international comparison of theatre supply, theatre systems and audiences). These subgroups also meet regularly.

The outcomes of (joined) research will be published in books (including dissertations) in all participating countries, thereby making international comparison possible, as well as reflection on specific regional problems in a broader context.

2012-05-27

Photos Budapest by Maja Šorli, Quirijn van den Hoogen and Attila Szabó

Meeting Budapest 2012

The annual meeting of STEP was in Budapest (17-19 May 2012) in the Gizi Bajor Actors' Museum. The starting point was the international conference on 'Theatre Financing in the Visegrad Countries Applications and Grants', where the similarities and differences in financing systems of theater of the participating countries and their general outcomes were discussed, with special regard to the relationship between 'stone' - and independent theatergroups. Participating countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Ireland, Estonia, Denmark, Slovenia and The Netherlands. The second and third day were spend discussing and planning the forthcoming STEP-book in which the comparative research of the City-group will be presented. The book for undergraduate students about Autonomy will be finished this year.

2011-05-20

Photos Aarhus by Attila Szabó

2011-05-16

Meeting Aarhus 2011

The annual meeting of STEP was in Aarhus (12-15 May 2011), during the International Festival 'Levende Teater'. On the first day members of the STEP-group presented their research for Danish colleagues, students and practitioners and shared insights during workshops as part of the festival.
The second day was used to work on and discuss research projects that members of the group are working on. The Policy Group is preparing a book on autonomy, that will be published in 2012. The City Group has been planning the second stage of the City Research Project and the Values Group has been preparing Audience Research.

Next meetings:

Policy Group: November 2011 in the Netherlands (Breukelen)
City Group: End of January 2012 in the Netherlands (Groningen)
Values Group: (to be planned)

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