
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre offers training in Physical Theatre. The program is designed to develop versatile artists capable of integrating body, technique, and storytelling.
Through courses, workshops, and productions in Switzerland and abroad, this practice-based and professionally oriented degree fosters creative autonomy and strong performance skills.
Overview
Degree title
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Duration
6 semesters - Full Time
Credits
180 ETCS
Deadline registrations
preliminary exam
15 March 2026
Semester Start
August 2026
Annual fee
CHF 5'300
Language
Italian
Headquarters
Verscio
Contents
The programme teaches movement and acting techniques to develop a personal physical language and strong expressivity in Physical Theatre. The curriculum is built on two complementary pillars: a contemporary approach reflecting current Physical Theatre practices, and foundational “theatrical craft” disciplines.
Alongside core subjects, the program offers independent workspaces and optional courses, fostering networks among students and a constant dialogue between research and teaching, resulting in a dynamic and innovative learning experience.
The final semester is dedicated to scenic creation and includes three diploma projects: a group project, a fully autonomous individual project, and a collective production directed by a guest director. Each year, these works are presented on tour in Switzerland and abroad.
The pillars of the study programme are:
-
acquisition of technical and theoretical foundations
-
collaborations with external experts
-
interpretation and creation of theatrical and movement studies
-
cultural evenings and outings
-
optional courses
-
Italian language courses for non-Italian-speaking students
-
scenic creation of the three diploma projects (LFF Showcase, LIFF, LCFF)
LFF Showcase
Graduating students independently create a “Variété” entertainment piece, linking their performance skills with personal artistic qualities.
Individual Final Project (Lavoro Individuale di Fine Formazione - LIFF)
Theatre production and written research
Students design and execute an individual theatrical project in full autonomy, choosing expressive means and taking responsibility for content and aesthetic choices. The process begins with in-depth research on a real or fictional character, which culminates in a written thesis that inspires the final LIFF production.
Collective Final Project (Lavoro Collettivo di Fine Formazione - LCFF)
The class works collaboratively, leveraging their skills under the guidance of a guest director, producing a show that provides significant pedagogical enrichment and a professional context, which is then presented on tour.
Workshops and Seminars
-
Optional courses: Complement and enrich the program with disciplines such as Yoga, Theatre Pedagogy for Children, Dramaturgy, work in front of the camera, and other formative experiences.
-
Cultural evenings: Scholars and professionals offer insights into specific artistic expressions and contemporary art through performances, concerts, shows, lectures, and film screenings.

What students say about us
Skills and opportunities
At Accademia Teatro Dimitri, students from diverse cultures and backgrounds train in a dynamic and international environment, developing solid and contemporary technical, artistic, and methodological skills. Here, they learn to master body and movement, refine expressive and narrative abilities (acting), study theatre history, and acquire dramaturgical knowledge specific to Physical Theatre. At the same time, they learn how to design, analyze, and professionally realize artistic creations.
The program develops not only artistic skills but also essential personal and social competencies: self-awareness, the ability to take creative risks, clarity in communicating ideas, and the ability to collaborate within intercultural working groups. It is an environment where students grow, experiment, and create in close connection with peers from diverse cultures and countries.
Professional Opportunities
After graduation, students can work as freelancers or employees in various sectors.
Artistic field
-
Theatre performer; actor/actress in film, television, and radio
-
Member of theatre, dance, or circus companies
-
Director of performative projects
Educational and pedagogical field
-
Theatre, movement/dance/body education Instructor
-
Workshop facilitator in schools or cultural associations
Social and community field
-
Artistic interventions in therapeutic or rehabilitative settings
-
Inclusive projects in social and community centers
Cultural field
-
Organization of cultural and performance events
-
Coordination of artistic and interdisciplinary projects
-
Collaboration with cultural centers, festivals, and artistic institutions
Interdisciplinary field
-
Performer in museum or installation contexts
Artistic research and performative practice
Further Education Opportunities
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is nationally and internationally recognized and provides access to Master’s programs in directing, dramaturgy, theatre, dance, or circus, theatre pedagogy, choreography, and numerous continuing education paths.
Study plan
Study format and schedule
Full-time attendance is required, five days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. Depending on the weekly schedule, Italian courses, optional classes, and cultural evenings take place from 6:00 p.m. Presentations may also occur on weekends.
The program enables students to earn 180 ECTS over three years (six semesters), with each academic year corresponding to 60 ECTS (1,800 hours of work). The first five semesters each last 20 weeks (excluding holidays and including assessment week), while the sixth semester, fully dedicated to diploma projects, runs for 19 weeks (excluding holidays).
The program follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), where one credit corresponds to approximately 30 hours of student work, including lessons, supervised study, and independent study.
Local collaborations
-
Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
-
Settimane Musicali di Ascona
-
Monte Verità in Ascona
-
Spazio Elle in Locarno
-
Galleria Sacchetti in Ascona
-
Centro Culturale Elisarion in Minusio
-
Fondazione Claudia Lombardi in Lugano
National and International Exchanges
Accademia Teatro Dimitri actively promotes student mobility and international exchange as an integral part of the Bachelor’s program.
E:UTSA Exchange Week
Second-year students are offered a study week at one of the European partner schools of E:UTSA, a European theatre school platform that supports student projects and collaborations, helping to build a strong international professional network.
Exchanges with international schools
The Academy currently collaborates with the prestigious Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch in Berlin, particularly with the Contemporary Puppetry department. Exchange periods are organized annually to encourage artistic dialogue and collaboration between students from both institutions.
Collaborations with international faculty
The curriculum is enriched by the regular presence of teachers, artists, and professionals from diverse international academic and professional backgrounds.
Exchanges during the sixth-semester tour
During the international tour of the sixth semester, students have the opportunity to engage with different artistic contexts, fostering encounters and collaborations at an international level.
Post-diploma mobility and partnerships
After completing the Bachelor’s program, students can undertake internships or placements with companies or theatres of their choice. In addition, the Academy maintains partnerships with theatre organizations that offer professional residencies after graduation, providing the first concrete experiences in the professional world.
Scholarships
Various public and private institutions support deserving students. The Accademia offers dedicated assistance in finding scholarships.
PRE-EXAM SCHEDULE
for the academic year 2026/2027
Sunday, March 22, 2026
10:30 – 14:30
Accademia Teatro Dimitri, Verscio
Saturday, March 28, 2026
12:30 – 16:30
La Manufacture, Lausanne
Sunday, March 29, 2026
10:00 – 14:00
ZHdK, Zürich new
Saturday, April 18, 2026
11:00 – 15:00
HKB, Bern
ADMISSION EXAM
10 - 12 May 2026
Accademia Teatro Dimitri, Verscio






