English Summary
DIE ETAGE - school for performing and fine arts since 1981
Training and certification in the following professions:
Acrobatics
Acting
Painting / Graphics / Stage design
Pantomime
Dance
Musical
The goal of the three year training and government certification programme is - in combination with artistic talent - to produce professional stage artists. The exams are in accordance with government exam regulations.
Beyond this, the ETAGE organizes evening courses, projects, and workshops in various areas of study that are accessible to anyone interested in participating. On weekends, the ETAGE also offers theatre events produced by its students.
Currently, about 140 students are being trained by professionals in their chosen fields. The majority of the students come from other parts of Germany or outside of Germany.
Programme Structure
Part of the philosophy of the ETAGE is that students in the performing arts take courses in and learn the foundations of other disciplines during their first semester (foundations semester).
After the first semester, the students focus and specialize in their chosen area of study. During the first stage of specialization, students learn the technical foundations. The students build upon this in the second stage of specialization (the fourth through sixth semesters), during which they develop their artistic means and individual manner of expression. The training is extended and expanded through courses in related topics or through theoretical courses.
Everyone who applies to study in one of the six disciplines must take an admission test. Specific information can be found under admission requirements.
Documentary Material about the ETAGE can be found under "Bilder Filme Texte" (Pictures-Videos-Texts), here is some selected material:
Acrobatics
Acting: Graduating class 2009 "Nach dem Regen": Trailer I und Trailer II
Painting / Graphics / Stage design: gallery
Pantomime: photos and video
Dance: video and photos
Musical
Admission Requirements
In order to be accepted into one of the six departments, prospective students must be at least 16 years of age and have the equivalent of (or higher qualification level than) a "Hauptschulabschluß".
For those under 18 years of age, it is necessary to have parental approval. There is essentially no upper limit on age for prospective students. The age of the student must be individually considered in certain disciplines where the physical disposition is important. Prospective applicants must take an admission test to evaluate their qualifications.
Admission Tests
Every applicant must complete the admission test. This test evaluates the presence of a talent for artistic interpretation and portrayal. On the one hand, this test is important for the prospective student before investing money in an education (especially if success thereafter is seen, from the outset, to be doubtful). On the other hand, the test is important for the ETAGE in order to obtain the best applicants and to maintain its educational quality.
Admission Tests Fee
€ 45,-. musical
€ 31.- others
Educational Fees
ETAGE is a non-profit organization, fees are charged in order to cover operating costs.
€ 350,- / monthly for acting students and
€ 335,- / monthly for students in other discipline
€ 440.- / 490 / 540.- / monthly graded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd year for musical-perfomers
Fees must be paid on or before the first of each month in advance.
A security deposit (one month's regular fee) is charged at the beginning of the student's education.
All fees are based on current rates and are not guaranteed.
Grants and Support
Students may apply for educational grants since the ETAGE is recognized by the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).
ETAGE students receive student ID's that permit them (among other things) to receive discounts on public transport fees.
The parents and guardians of ETAGE students are qualified to receive "Kindergeld".
Exams
The exams of the ETAGE are in accordance with governmental regulations (Ausbildungsordnung 1989 von der Senatsverwaltung für Kulturelle Angelegenheiten). The first semester is also a "trial-semester," where short notice withdrawl from the program is possible, allowing both the academy and the student to evaluate whether the education is appropriate for both parties.
Exams are administered at the end of the first stage of education (second and third semesters). The exams determine the direction of further education of each student. The academy administers the final evaluation and certification of each student at the end of the program. Students obtain permission to take the exams only if they regularly attend classes.
