Open Call for Participation: FIST – International Student Theatre Festival

The Faculty of Dramatic Arts, University of Arts in Belgrade (FDU), is pleased to announce that the student organised Festival of International Student Theatre (FIST) taking place on 22-28 September 2025, has officially launched its open call for participation. 

Founded at FDU, FIST showcases innovative student theatre, fosters cultural exchange, and provides a platform for young artists to collaborate and perform internationally. The 2025 edition unfolds amidst ongoing student blockades and civic resistance. In this climate, FIST turns to the state-led project EXPO 2027, branded as Play for Humanity. Reframing it as Play against Humanity, the festival adopts the EXPO format to explore tensions between public and private interests, spectacle and authentic community, and sustainability versus exploitation.

Participants are invited to choose one of the three thematic strands as the foundation for their creative exploration:

• Play for Progress or Play for Profit — questioning whether mega-events serve the public good or private enrichment. 
• Play With(out) Community — examining media spectacle and the erosion of genuine participation. 
• Play Between Green and Greed — challenging the rebranding environmental harm as progress. 

Apply to take part in FIST 2025:

• Application via online form

Deadline for applications: 27 August 2025

Eligibility: Arts students worldwide (up to 27 years) in theatre, performance, new media, visual arts, and related disciplines

Selection results: 29 August 2025 (up to five participants per theme)

Process: Online collaboration 1–21 September 2025; residency in Belgrade 22–28 September 2025

Support: Shared accommodation, meals, and travel reimbursement up to €150

For further questions please contact fist.mainprogram@gmail.com

The FDU looks forward to welcoming participants to a unique creative experience, collaborating across disciplines and presenting their work on an international stage.