Professional Development Workshops
The MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making (CPPM) programme at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre offers a vibrant series of open Professional Development Workshops. These workshops are accessible to students, as well as early-career and mid-career artists working in the performing arts. They provide dedicated time for artistic experimentation, critical reflection, and professional growth within a supportive yet intellectually and physically challenging studio environment.
Each workshop is led by internationally renowned artists, directors, choreographers, or performance companies, who bring a rich variety of practices, perspectives, and methodologies into the space. Participants work alongside an international cohort of CPPM MA students, currently representing 13 different countries, creating a unique environment for collaborative exploration and cross-cultural exchange.
Firmly rooted in the ethos of the CPPM programme, a pioneering, practice-led full-time Master’s degree, these workshops are rigorous and foster curiosity and collaboration. Participants are encouraged to question established norms, develop their embodied knowledge, and cultivate their individual artistic voice through intensive, practical artistic engagement.
These workshops offer not only a valuable chance for professional development but also a space for meaningful artistic dialogue, boundary-pushing exploration, and the deepening of one’s creative practice. After completing the workshop, participants receive a certificate from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
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Who can apply?
These workshops aim to support artists from a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds, including but not limited to contemporary performance, dance, theatre, physical theatre, circus, and interdisciplinary performing arts. They are designed for those actively involved in shaping the future of performance through innovative, embodied, and collaborative practices.
Whether you are an actor, director, dancer, choreographer, physical performer, or interdisciplinary artist, you are warmly encouraged to participate. These workshops also welcome performance creators working across different forms, those who develop their own work, collaborate across genres, or experiment with hybrid artistic languages.
By bringing together a diverse community of practitioners, the workshops foster a rich and stimulating environment for exchange, experimentation, and the development of new approaches to performance-making. Whatever your artistic journey, these sessions provide a valuable space to advance your practice, gain fresh perspectives, and connect with fellow artists from around the world.
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Application process
To apply for the workshop, please submit the online application form
Please also include your CV with your application, as this will help us understand your academic and professional background, as well as the skills and experiences you bring to the workshop. We also encourage you to add a Letter of Motivation. This optional letter allows you to explain why you are interested in this workshop, how it aligns with your artistic goals, and how it could contribute to your artistic development.
Before submitting your application, please review the Conditions for Participation at the end of the online application form. It contains essential details about the application process, fees, accommodation, cancellation policies, schedule, attendance requirements, code of conduct, certificates, media permissions, health and safety, potential changes, and liability.
As places are strictly limited, we strongly encourage early application. Once your online application has been submitted, you will receive a response within ten working days. We recommend checking your email regularly during this period to ensure you don’t miss any important updates regarding your application status. Successful applicants will be contacted with further details, including preparatory materials, workshop schedules, and practical information.
If you are applying for more than one workshop, please ensure you complete and submit a separate application form for each.
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Selection process
The selection process for the Professional Development Workshops is carefully curated to bring together a vibrant and diverse cohort of participants, with the aim of fostering a dynamic and stimulating learning environment enriched by a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and artistic approaches. Each application is thoughtfully reviewed, taking into account the applicant’s professional background, personal motivation, and the alignment of their practice with the ethos of the workshop and its leader. By assembling a group that reflects a broad spectrum of skills and creative practices, we cultivate an atmosphere of openness, challenge, and inspiration. This intentional and considered approach not only enhances the overall quality of the workshops but also supports a focused, personalised learning experience, ensuring that every participant is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully and to benefit fully from the opportunity for artistic development.
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Fees
The workshop fees for each workshop are listed on its respective page.
Once accepted into the workshop, the academy will email you an invoice with all the relevant payment details, including the amount due, available payment methods, and the deadline for payment. It is essential that you pay the invoice promptly, following the provided instructions, as your place in the workshop will only be confirmed once payment has been received. Due to high demand and limited availability, late payments may result in losing your spot. To avoid any issues, we strongly recommend settling your payment as soon as you receive the invoice.
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Travel and Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and travel. The academy does not provide these services, so we strongly recommend making these arrangements as soon as your participation is confirmed to avoid any issues. Booking accommodation and travel early is essential, as availability can become limited closer to the workshop dates, especially in peak seasons. Depending on individual preferences and needs, participants may wish to explore a range of options, from hotels to more budget-friendly alternatives such as hostels or short-term rentals. Detailed information regarding the workshop location and the schedule will be provided to assist with your planning.
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Certificate of Participation
After completing the workshop, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. This certificate will include important details such as the workshop title, the names of the workshop leaders, and the total hours attended. Besides serving as useful documentation for potential academic credits, it can also be a valuable addition to a participant’s CV, showcasing their commitment to ongoing professional development. It highlights specialised training under the guidance of renowned international artists, which can boost career opportunities and reflect a proactive attitude towards personal and professional growth.
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Contact
If you require any additional information about our Professional Development Workshops, please do not hesitate to contact us via email info_cppm@eamt.ee
Upcoming workshops
15.-26.09.2025 | 2 weeks | 10 days
EDDIE MARTINEZ | Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch | Germany
13.-18.10.2025 | 1 week | 6 days
MIRKO RAJAS AND TAAVI TÕNISSON | Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences | Estonia
27.10-01.11.2025 | 1 week | 6 days
ROEL SWANENBERG AND ARJAN GEBRAAD | Belgium & the Netherlands
Past workshops
14.-15.09.2024
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP by Jüri Nael and Giacomo Veronesi – LONDON (UK)
7.-8.09.2024
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP by Jüri Nael and Giacomo Veronesi – NEW YORK (USA)
10.08.2024
FREE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP by Jüri Nael and Giacomo Veronesi – MELBOURNE (Australia)
26.09–7.10.2022
CPPM WORKSHOP: GUILLERMO GOMEZ-PENA, BALITRONICA GOMEZ, LA SAULA (La Pochanostra)
More past workshops
| Dates | Guest Artists |
|---|---|
5 JUN – 9 |
KIM COLLIER AND GREG SPOTTISWOOD |
22-27 |
EPHIA GBUREK AND VINCENT VALENTE |
18-22 JAN 2021 |
HELGARD HAUG AND IMANUEL SCHIPPER |
25-30 |
TIIT OJASOO |
14-19 |
HELGARD HAUD AND IMANUEL SCHIPPER |
30 NOV – 12 |
CLIVE MENDUS |
19-31 |
MART KANGRO |
27 SEP – 17 |
SASHA PEPELYAEV |
29 JUL – 06 |
SIMONA GONELLA AND PEADER KIRK |
16 APR – 02 |
MICHELA SCOLARI |
13-25 |
KASPER VANDENBERGHE AND MARIA DAFNEROS |
02-11 |
GUILLAUME PIGE |
16-30 |
EDDIE MARTINEZ |
02-14 |
WILL BOND AND STEPHEN WEBBER |
25-30 |
IONA KEWNEY |
09-21 SEPT 2019 |
AGNIESZKA MENDEL and JANEK ZÓRAWSKI |
16-29 |
MARILENA DARA |
26 AUG – 07 |
YORGOS KARAMALEGOS |
09-14 |
STACY MAKISH |
19-25 |
TADASHI ENDO |
29 JUL – 17 |
RYAN GANGNES |