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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.

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


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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