OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Polyphonic Pulcinella
A 28-Day International Artistic Residency in Naples, Italy
April 1 – 28, 2027 | TRAM Theatre, Naples
AT A GLANCE
| Host | Teatro dell’Osso ETS, Naples, Italy |
| Venue | TRAM theatre (rehearsal room), Via Duomo 247, Naples |
| Dates | April 1 – 28, 2027 |
| Duration | 28 days (short-term residency) |
| Participants | 5 artists / cultural professionals |
| Sector | Performing Arts — Theatre, Physical Theatre, Mask Work |
| Grant | Culture Moves Europe / Creative Europe / EU |
| Participation fee | None |
| Application deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Language | English (working language): multilingual (performance) |
Teatro dell’Osso ETS invites applications from 5 European artists and cultural professionals to participate in an international artistic residency supported by Culture Moves Europe, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Polyphonic Pulcinella is a multilingual collective creation residency exploring the Pulcinella archetype as a shared root of European performance traditions — from the English Punch to the French Polichinelle to the German Kasperl.
Working through theatrical anthropology, Grammelot, and physical theatre, the selected artists will collaboratively develop a new multilingual performance that transforms this local Neapolitan tradition into a contemporary European theatrical act. The residency will culminate in a public performance at Teatro TRAM.
RESIDENCY STRUCTURE
Phase 1 — Immersion & Research (Days 1–7)
Masterclasses on “Commedia dell’Arte”, Urban explorations in Naples’ historic sites, comparative workshops on European trickster traditions.
Phase 2 — Collective Creation (Days 8–15)
Multilingual dramaturgy development using the Canovaccio method and Grammelot to address contemporary European themes of identity and resilience.
Phase 3 — Production (Days 16–23)
Intensive rehearsals with daily mentoring sessions focused on rhythm, interaction, and artistic quality.
Phase 4 — Connection (Days 24–28)
Open rehearsals, final public performance, talks, and planning for future collaborations.
MENTORSHIP
The residency mentor is Antonio Rao Gargiulo, specialist in “Commedia dell’Arte” and Mime, creator of the international festival ComèDì. He will lead technical training, mask-work, and canovaccio development throughout the residency.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Full artistic mentorship and structured residency programme. 7 hours of work per day, Monday through Saturday.
- Accommodation near TRAM theatre (approx. 500m), with shared kitchen and common areas
- Access to the TRAM stage, rehearsal rooms, technical equipment, and production facilities
- Dedicated Residency Coordinator for all logistical and administrative support
- Financial support through the Culture Moves Europe grant, which covers:
- Daily allowance: €30/day daily allowance for subsistence
- Travel allowance: €400 or €800 calculated based on distance
- Additional top-ups may apply (green mobility, visa, family)
WHO CAN APPLY
- Artists and cultural professionals 18 years or older
- Legally residing in a Creative Europe country other than Italy (*)
- Active in performing arts (theatre, physical theatre, mime, dance theatre, or related disciplines) for at least three years
- Available for the entire duration of the residency (April 1 – 28, 2027) — attendance is mandatory for all 28 days
We strongly encourage applications from artists with knowledge of or interest in the “Commedia dell’Arte”, particularly the character of Pulcinella or similar trickster/mask traditions (Punch, Kasperl, Polichinelle, Petrushka), familiarity with Grammelot, physical and rhythmic improvisation, or theatrical anthropology.
We are committed to gender balance, geographic diversity, and inclusion of artists who may face barriers to mobility. Applications from artists with disabilities are welcome.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications will be evaluated by a three-member committee (Project Mentor, Artistic Director, External Expert) based on:
- Artistic quality: Portfolio, previous work, technical skills in movement or performance
- Relevance: Connection to mask, physical theatre, or trickster traditions from your own culture
- Motivation: Genuine commitment to a 28-day multilingual collective process and interest in Neapolitan tradition
- Diversity: Contribution to a balanced group in terms of gender, origin, and discipline
SELECTION PROCESS
- Shortlisting: Review of CVs, portfolios, and motivation letters (top 10–12 candidates selected). The results will be announced by July 10.
- Online interviews: Online interviews (Zoom/Teams) to assess collaborative spirit, communication, and linguistic flexibility; The interviews will take place between July 12 and 23, 2026.
- Final selection: Announcement of 5 residents and a reserve list by July 30.
HOW TO APPLY
Send the following documents in English to residency@teatrotram.it with the subject line: Application – The Polyphonic Pulcinella
- ID card or other official document, in any language.
- Short CV (one page), in English.
- Artistic and creative portfolio, in English (max 5 Mb).
- Motivation letter (max 500 words) explaining your interest in the project, your relationship to mask/trickster traditions in your own culture, in English.
- Proof of legal residence in a Creative Europe country (We accept any of the following documents: valid registration certificate; valid ID card if it includes the applicant’s address; current rental/lease contract), in any language.
Application deadline: JUNE 30, 2026
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Location: Via Duomo 247, Naples, Italy
- Duration: 28 days (April 1 – 28, 2027)
- Number of residents: 5
- Language: English (working language), multilingualism encouraged
- Participation fee: No fees are charged to participants
- Accessibility: Accommodation provided and accessible to people with disabilities
For questions: residency@teatrotram.it | www.teatrotram.it
This residency is supported by Culture Moves Europe, funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut.
(*) The Creative Europe countries include:
Albania, Austria, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Ukraine.
Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) and Outermost Regions (ORs):
• Greenland (Denmark);
• French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion Island, Saint Barthelemy, Saint-Martin, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna Islands (France);
• Azores, Madeira (Portugal);
• Canary Islands (Spain);