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50 Years of Tradition and Innovation

Since 1975, the Accademia Dimitri has been a leading institution for training in the performing arts, combining tradition and innovation in Physical Theatre.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, a rich program of events has been developed, involving students, artists, families, and the general public.

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Fifty years ago, a unique school dedicated to the diverse arts of the stage was founded in Verscio

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1975-2025

Founded in 1975 in Verscio by the clown Dimitri, his wife Gunda, and actor-mime Richard Weber, the Scuola Teatro Dimitri was created with the goal of providing comprehensive training in the performing arts, bringing together various disciplines under one roof. Starting with a small number of students and teachers, it grew over time, expanding its educational offerings and achieving affiliation with SUPSI in 2006, becoming an internationally recognized institution for Physical Theatre.

Today, known as the Accademia Dimitri, it offers Bachelor and Master of Arts in Theatre, Research, Services, and Advanced Studies, with an approach that emphasizes the body, movement, and the integration of theatre, dance, music, and circus, within a context of cultural exchange and artistic experimentation.

Fifty years on: a diverse program of events

To mark the jubilee, the Accademia Dimitri has developed a program of events open to everyone, spanning several months of 2025, culminating in the summer with performances that will be offered to the public and will tour across the Canton and Switzerland.

Jubilee Programme

Open Classes for the Public

Clown Entrée

January 25th

at 16.00 

Teatro Dimitri, Verscio

Una pallina

February 28th

at 13.15 and 15.00

Aula Grande, Verscio

Open Doors of

Accademia Dimitri

March, 22nd

all the day

Accademia Dimitri and Teatro Dimitri, Avegno and Verscio

Pantostile

May, 30th

at 13.15 and 15.00

Aula Grande, Verscio

A presentation of a collection of comedic scenes, selected from the "Entrée clownesques" collection created in the 1940s and 1950s by French journalist and historian Tristan Rémy, a great admirer and friend of clowns and the circus. On stage, the classic trio: the so-called "White" Clown, Auguste, and Monsieur Loyal, the ringmaster.

Juggling with a single ball is not mere technical virtuosity for its own sake, but rather a means of expression to convey a theatrical atmosphere, creating a concrete or abstract situation inspired by a musical piece. It’s a captivating moment between precision and the joy of play.

A day of open classes, mini-performances, and theatrical and dance moments, offering the opportunity to appreciate the eclecticism and excellence of the training at the Accademia Dimitri. Featuring the presence of students from the international association E:UTSA.

In groups or individually, students present their studies of narrative movement between dance and pantomime, freely inspired by dramatic texts.

Show for Children with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana

Collaboration OSI

May, 5th-7th 

LAC, Lugano

A 45-minute program combining music and theater, performed multiple times in the large hall of the LAC. Coordinated with the cantonal educational authorities, it is specially designed for elementary school children.

Embracing the spirit of Physical Theatre

Master Diploma Productions

April, 7th-13th

Verscio - Locarno

Between Verscio and Locarno, performances by Master’s students marking the culmination of their studies will unfold. This collection of highly diverse and unpredictable productions highlights virtuosity, experimentation, and creativity.

Swiss and international tour

From June to October
Various locations

In the year of the jubilee, Master’s students will bring their productions to various festivals, also presenting the history and artistic approach of the Accademia.

Performances and tour

Bachelor's Diploma Performance

Première on May, 9th

Teatro Dimitri, Verscio

at 20.00

Variété Bachelor

Première on July, 11th

Teatro Dimitri, Verscio

ore 20.00

Tour in Switzerland

and abroad

From May to August
Various locations

In this meeting of generations, of mutually enriching experiences, Everything is going to be fine comes to life: not just a show, but a collective journey, an experience that celebrates history, education and art, and the magic that is released when theatre becomes a common breath.

A summer show of lightness and fun for the whole family, combining dance, music, clowning, and acrobatics, presented in theaters and public squares of towns and cities.

For the occasion of the jubilee, an extensive tour will take both productions across Switzerland and abroad.

Final celebration

Accademia Dimitri Celebration

October, 4th

Verscio

A big celebration to bring together students past and present, artists, and friends!

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