Theater Program

Academic year 2025-26
August 18th 2025 – May 23rd 2026

Application period
Application for the academic year 2025-26
opens 1.2.2025

What is theater, really?

That is the question we want to explore here at Nylands Theater Program. The Theater Program is a one-year course designed for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of theater and acting or broaden their horizons for other reasons.

The program is a collaboration between Borgå folkakademi and Västra Nyland folkhögskola. The teaching primarily takes place in central Helsinki, where the program is based. Parts of the program take place in Karis and Borgå.

Both VNF and Akan have extensive experience in theater education. We’ve gathered the best parts to offer something unique for Swedish-speaking Finland!

In a safe environment, the program allows you to explore different forms and boundaries of theater and examine what theater can mean today. The instructors are experts in their fields and are professionally active in the theater scene both in Finland and internationally.

Part of the studies is conducted in collaboration with the Open University of the Theatre Academy at the University of the Arts Helsinki. In the spring, the Theater Program stages a larger final production.

We value the personal development of our students and want to support you in forming your own understanding of what theater means to you. Studies in the Theater Program can serve as a springboard for further education in the field or as a starting point for personal growth in other areas.

Explore the program’s courses further down the page!

The studies are full-time (25 hours per week).
From August to February, classes are mainly held in Helsinki. From March to May, teaching takes place in Karis, at VNF, and TryckeriTeatern.

Goals of the Program

To develop as an actor and performing artist
To gain stronger self-awareness and confidence on stage
To deepen knowledge of theater as an art form and its societal context
To find confidence in various theatrical settings

Content of the Teaching

Basics of Acting (15 ECTS)
Consists of the following courses:

The Actor’s Instrument
Characterization
Introduction to Acting Methodology
The Dancing Actor
The Singing Actor

Contextualization of Acting (9 ECTS)
Consists of the following courses:

Play Analysis
Western Theater History
Cultural Policy and Forum Theater
Documentary Theater
Study Visits (performance visits and study trips)

Application of Acting (12 ECTS)
Consists of the following courses:

Shakespeare
Burlesque
The Actor and the Camera
Postdramatic Texts
Short Production
Long Production

Detailed curriculum in Swedish here.

Study Load
The studies typically correspond to full-time studies at the folk high school level, 25×45 minutes per week.

Apply here

Contact Information and Further Details

The head of teaching is actor, artist, screenwriter, and director Martin Paul, MA from TeaK (Theatre Academy).

Have questions?
Contact the program director.

Programme Director:
Martin Paul | Phone +358 (0)40 722 3925 | martin.paul@akan.fi

Timetable
Application Period: February 1, 2025 – August 3, 2025
Admission opportunity: To be announced later (admission can also be done remotely)

Academic Year: August 18, 2025 – May 23, 2026 (full-time studies, 25 hours/week)

Location:

The teaching is primarily based in central Helsinki (Annegatan 26).
During the spring semester, studies take place at VNF in Karis (March–May), where the spring’s main production is also staged at TryckeriTeatern.

Language of Instruction:
Swedish (English if needed)

Study fees:
400 €/month including teaching, lunch & afternoon coffee

(The fees apply to the academic year 2025-26)

Accomodation:
If you need accommodation, you can board in the school’s dormitory connected to the school in Porvoo (Borgå folkakademi Runeberginkatu 16-18, Porvoo). You are responsible for the travel costs between Porvoo and Helsinki.

Cost 200 €/month in a shared double room or 260 €/month for a single room, including breakfast Monday-Friday and supper Monday-Thursday. Further information about accommodation and costs can be found here.

During the study period in Karis, accommodation is arranged at VNF’s dormitory. Read more here.

Apply here!