We are pleased to announce a new, even closer partnership between the National Kaunas Drama Theatre and Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI). This collaboration opens up new, exciting opportunities for students seeking to acquire professional knowledge and skills, as well as for the theatre community.

On 10 December, a partnership agreement between the theatre and Kauno kolegija HEI was signed at the National Kaunas Drama Theatre, which aims to educate the younger generation through education and cultural cooperation and to encourage interest in theatre and other artistic forms of expression. The cooperation plans include ambitious ideas that will have a positive impact on both the Kauno kolegija HEI’s study programmes, further enriching them with practical experience and the creative life of the theatre.

The goal set a year ago to develop the Acting study programme is now in its final stage. Professionals of the National Kaunas Drama Theatre – actors, directors and other employees – have sincerely participated in the development of the programme and shared their valuable experience. The final evaluation conclusions of the Center for Quality Assessment in Higher Education are now awaited.

‘We are pleased that this cooperation is based on trust and a mutual desire to achieve the highest quality. I sincerely thank the Director of the National Kaunas Drama Theatre, Egidijus Stancikas, for his exceptional attention, active participation and comprehensive support. The initiatives and the joint team have allowed us to achieve excellent results,’ emphasises Kauno kolegija HEI Director Dr Andrius Brusokas.

Egidijus Stancikas, Director of the National Kaunas Drama Theatre, is pleased that in a relatively short time, the Kauno kolegija HEI’s management has made quick, logical, innovative decisions and created the necessary structure for new ideas.

‘We are pleased that the meaningful and constructive conversation that took place a year ago has turned into a strong partnership, one of the results of which is the development and implementation of the Acting study programme at the Academy of Arts of the Faculty of Arts and Education. We expect a positive evaluation of the new study programme and the first students next year,’ emphasises Albertas Juodeika, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education.

According to Lukas Alsis, Head of the Academy of Arts, even closer ties with the oldest Lithuanian drama theatre allows to think more boldly, creatively and purposefully: ‘I believe that the partnership with this theatre will very soon yield tangible results that will strengthen the image of Kaunas as a theatre city.’