Institut für Theaterwissenschaft der Universität Bern (Switzerland)
Prof. Dr. Andreas Kotte (Swiss Theatre; Structure, Functions, Relationships)
Dr. des. Pia Strickler (Theatre and Media)
Lic. phil. Mathias Bremgartner (City Theatre)
Lic. phil. Frank Gerber (Music Theatre, Media, Theatre in Bern)
University of Groningen (the Netherlands)
Prof. Dr. Hans van Maanen (Dutch Theatre; Production, Distribution and Reception)
Dr. Quirijn van den Hoogen (Dutch Art Policy and Policy Evaluation)
Dr. Marlieke Wilders (Theatre Experience in relation to Theatre Buildings)
Dr. Kim Joostens (Arts Marketing, Dutch Art Policy)
Antine Zijlstra (Theatre in Groningen: System and Audience, Arts Marketing)
The Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College, Dublin (Ireland)
Prof. Dr. Steve E. Wilmer (National Theatres of Europe)
Dr. Josh Edelman (Sociology of Theatre, Irish Art Policy)
Dr. Àine Sheil (Internationalization and Opera)
Aarhus University (Denmark)
Dr. Louise Hansen (Danisch Art Policy, Theatre in Aarhus: System and audience)
University of Tartu (Estonia)
Dr. Anneli Saro (Repertory and Free Theatre in Estonia: input and output)
Dr. Kristel Pappel (City Theatres and Estonian Theatre System)
Ott Karulin (Estonian Theatre)
Hedi-Liis Toome (Theatre in Tartu: System and Audience)
University of Debrecen (Hungary)
Dr. Magdolna Balkàny (Hungarian Theatre, Theatre in Debrecen: System and audience)
Zsófia Lelkes (Dance Theatre in Hungary)
Attila Szabó (Theatre in Hungary: form and language)
University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Dr. Barbara Sušec-Michieli (National Theatres in the Slovenian System)
Maja Sorli (The Slovenian director Tomaz Pandur)
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.