On July 8–13, 2026, Vilnius University (VU) will host the XIII World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA). This significant international event will gather leading university theatre scholars, researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts globally.

Call for Papers: University Theatre in the Time of Global Challenges

University theatre does not exist in isolation. It responds, resists, reflects, and reinvents itself in the face of global realities. The XIII World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA), to be held at Vilnius University in Lithuania, invites researchers, artists, educators, independent scholars, practitioners, and students to explore the evolving role of university theatre in our rapidly changing world.

The Congress theme — University Theatre in the Time of Global Challenges — seeks to understand how university theatres across the globe engage with urgent crises and transformations. These include the climate emergency, political instability, war and occupation, migration, engagement with AI, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also raises essential questions about the future of university theatre: What values should guide its development? How can it remain resilient, relevant, and critical in times of uncertainty?

We welcome proposals that explore this theme through scholarly research, artistic practice, pedagogical innovation or interdisciplinary dialogue.

Areas of Focus

Participants are invited to address one or more of the following key areas:

• Climate Crisis and Ecological Responsibility
• Political Instability, Repression, and Activism
• War, Occupation, and Conflict
• Migration and Identity
• Pandemics and New Theatrical Forms
• Artificial Intelligence and University Theatre
• Rethinking the Role of University Theatre in a Changing World

Programme of activities

The programme of activities consists of scientific, educational, and entertaining events: guests’ presentations, workshops, demonstrations, cultural tours, and the International University Theatre Festival. All main Congress events are located within walking distance.

Working languages

Official languages of the Congress are Lithuanian, English, French, and Spanish. Official ceremonies and plenary sessions will be translated simultaneously. There will be no translation during the paper sessions.

CONGRESS COMMITTEES

Submissions

Proposals are invited for four main types of activities:

• scholarly papers (30 minutes - 20 min. presentation, 10 min. Q&A session);
• demonstrations (20–60 minutes);
• workshops (60-120 minutes);
• theatre performances.

Submissions should include up to a 250-word titled abstract, including an English translation if the abstract is not in English, complete contact information, and institutional affiliation of the proponent, and a short biographical note with a list of selected publications.

The proposal submission is accepted here.

Deadlines

• Receipt of abstracts, proposals for demonstrations and workshops: 1st of January, 2026

The Congress Scientific Committee will conduct selection on a rolling basis and send official notification, via email, within one month of receipt of an application and no later than the 31th of January, 2026.

• Receipt of proposals for theatre performances to participate in the International University Theatre Festival: 1st of December, 2025.

Selection and official notification, via email, within one month of receipt of an application and no later than the 31th of December, 2025.

Quelle: https://www.congress2026.kc.vu.lt/call-for-papers