LMTA Students Participated in an International Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme in Lyon
From 12 to 25 June 2026, students from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA) participated in the first phase of the international Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) entitled “The Actor’s Freedom on Stage: How Is Acting Created?” The programme was hosted by ENSATT (École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Techniques du Théâtre) in Lyon, France.
The project brought together students and lecturers from three leading European theatre schools: ENSATT (France), HFS Ernst Busch (Berlin, Germany), and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA).
The programme involved seven directing students from HFS Ernst Busch, eight performing arts students from LMTA, and twelve acting students from ENSATT’s 87th graduating class. The project also involved Augustas Gornatkevičius, theatre director and lecturer at the Department of Theatre of the Klaipėda Faculty of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Together with the other lecturers, he observed the creative process, participated in methodological discussions, shared his professional expertise, and contributed to strengthening international academic cooperation. During the two-week intensive programme, participants explored different acting and directing methods, collaborated in international teams, and exchanged artistic and pedagogical experiences.
The main objective of the programme was to promote artistic and cultural diversity, develop collaborative creative skills, strengthen intercultural competences, and encourage dialogue on contemporary European theatre.
The programme combined practical workshops, rehearsals, dramaturgical reflections, script readings, and collaborative artistic creation based on the works of William Shakespeare. Directing students led groups of actors, experimented with different rehearsal methods, and jointly created stage compositions. Throughout the process, lecturers facilitated analytical discussions, feedback sessions, and critical reflections.
Alongside the intensive artistic work, participants visited cultural venues in Lyon, attended theatre performances, took part in dance workshops, and participated in other interdisciplinary events. These activities fostered intercultural dialogue, broadened participants’ understanding of different theatre traditions, and strengthened cooperation among the students.
The project represents an important step towards establishing long-term cooperation between the three European theatre schools. The second phase of the programme will take place in Berlin in spring 2027, where participants will continue their collaborative creative work while further developing their professional and intercultural competences.
Reflections from LMTA Acting and Directing Students
Adrijus Gabrielius Jocys
“Upon arriving in Lyon, I was delighted to be invited to attend a performance at ENSATT’s theatre. It was fascinating to discover how different cultures perceive theatre and which artistic forms resonate most with them.”
Elonas Sinušas
“It was inspiring to meet theatre artists from other countries and learn about their daily training, what aspects of acting they focus on, and which teaching methods their lecturers use. Working together made me realise that although we differ in language, culture, and nationality, the language of theatre is universal.”
Saulė Giedraitė
“This project introduced me to different languages in theatre. It taught me that communication does not always require words—sometimes emotion alone is enough. That made it easy to connect with my scene partners, and although we knew each other only for a short time, sharing the stage brought us remarkably close.”
Goda Skėrė
“I particularly enjoyed working with William Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Each directing student from Berlin had a unique interpretation of the play. Their confidence in their artistic ideas made it a pleasure for both us and the French actors to work with them.”
Ula Dagytė
“I felt more deeply involved in the creative process than usual. It was rewarding to trust the process and witness the final result. At the same time, I gained even more from everyday life shared with my classmates.”
Atėnė Banytė
“For me, the project became an exploration of self-discipline and overcoming the limits we unconsciously set for ourselves. External circumstances should not determine whether we enjoy performing on stage. The only power over us is the power we choose to give.”
Emma Sadauskaitė
“It was fascinating to see how we, after spending an entire year studying together, would create in a completely different environment. Even while immersed in everyday life abroad, we still remained true theatre people.”
Jokūbas Sarulis
“Exchange programmes are not only about professional development but also about personal growth. Meeting people from different parts of the world and discovering their cultures opens new perspectives and unexpected paths in life.”
LMTA students in Lyon
LMTA students in Lyon
LMTA students in Lyon
LMTA students in Lyon
