Capacity building on accessibility management for theatre operators

About the Open Call

We Want More! is inviting theatre operators and managers, with or without disabilities, from all over the European Union, Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), Turkey, and Ukraine, to join the International Capacity building on accessibility management for theatre operators – Improving accessibility and inclusion skills of theatre managers and operators, taking place from 23 to 27 February 2026, at the Teatro della Regina, in Cattolica (Emilia-Romagna, Italy). This international training course aims to enhance the skills and competencies of theatres operators and managers in creating inclusive theatres, i.e., accessible spaces open and welcoming to all, regardless of their background, abilities, or identities. It will focus on: Fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation in the performing arts, by promoting equal opportunities and access to the market for disabled artists, performers, crew members, writers, and technicians; Empowering theatre operators and managers across the EU and beyond to include disabled people as team members; Providing theatre operators and managers with economic and management knowledge to develop more inclusive management practices. The programme takes a comprehensive approach to inclusion, with insights from external international experts (academics, theatre makers, cultural managers and policymakers). The 5-day course includes sessions with professionals from a wide range of fields related to inclusion in the performing arts. By combining seminars and workshops, it gives participants the opportunity to join discussions and debates on accessibility and inclusion focused on management and policymaking for the performing arts. The workshop will also serve as a space to share experiences, exchange ideas, and propose real actions for more inclusive management. All training materials, in their different forms and formats, will be gathered in a document, also including practical guidelines, to be disseminated among professionals in the field. The training course will be structured as follows: Monday, 23 February: Concepts of accessibility and Inclusion and Universal design – space and language; Tuesday, 24 February: Inclusive events: from planning, budgeting and fundraising to implementation and impact assessment; Wednesday, 25 February: Access services and practices – an overview; Thursday, 26 February: Voices from the field – Accessibility and Inclusion Managers, and Focus Group; Friday, 27 February: Voices from the field: Advocacy and policies. The full programme, along with trainers and experts for each session, will be available soon.

What is Offered

For international participants, the organisation will solely cover flight or train arrangements from abroad to Bologna airport or railway station. For Italian participants, the organisation will only cover travel arrangements by public transportation (train, coach, ferry, flights from main Italian islands). Accommodation will be provided in a hotel in Cattolica in a private room (breakfast included). All lunches in Cattolica will be catered for by the host organisation for the duration of the training (from Monday 23 to Friday 27 February 2026 included). A certificate of attendance will be issued to all participants who take part in at least 4 full days of activity.

Requirements

Theatre operators and managers, with or without disabilities, from the European Union, Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia), Turkey, and Ukraine. Applicants will be evaluated based on their motivation letter and their previous work experience in Theatre, Inclusion and Accessibility. Participants must be available to travel to Cattolica on Sunday 22 February 2026.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted via the website weallneedtheatre.eu until 16 November 2025. To apply please fill in the provided online form.