User:ENCOUNTER2016/sandbox/SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER

SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER is the international, non-competitive festival of theatre schools in Brno. It is organized by the students of the Theater Management and Stage Technology Department at the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts.

History
The history of the festival dates back to the year 1991. Besides JAMU, the Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava were involved in establishing the festival too. These schools have formed the core of participants since then. The impulse for holding first “SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER” was the opening of the renovated theatre Marta. This very inspiring meeting gave birth to the idea of continuing this event and gradually expanding it  beyond the borders of former Czechoslovakia. Later other European countries were connected, followed by states from other countries.

Programme
Apart from the approximately 20 performances of the main programme festival guests can also attend off-programme performances (presenting the work of JAMU students), workshops, morning discussions, exhibitions or concerts.

Participants
Twelve to fifteen ensembles from art schools take part in the festival every year. Their performances are chosen on the basis of sent applications sent in advance. The festival has already hosted theatre schools from 40 countries across the world.

Awards
Although the festival is non- competitve, the best and most inspiring and innovative student artistic performances are awarded a Marta Award by a jury consisting of Czech and foreign theatre professionals every year. A Student Jury was established in the year 2014. This jury also rewards the most interesting students achievements from their point of view, with the Student Jury Award. Both awards can be given only for student achievements.

The Director of the Festival
The festival directors is named by the art council of the Theatre Faculty of JAMU. Prof. Mgr. Petr Oslzlý is currently the festival director.

Venue and date
The festival regularly takes place in April in four theatres (Husa na provázku, Divadlo na Orlí, Divadlení studio Marta, HaDivadlo) and lasts five days (from Tuesday to Saturday). The 26th International Festival of Theatre Schools takes place from the 12th to the 16th April 2016. For more information visit the website www.encounter.cz/en