Helsinki

Academic year 2026-27
August 12th 2026 – May 22nd 2027

Application period
Application for the academic year 2026-27
opens 2.2.2026

What is theater, really?

Acting is a one-year study programme aimed at anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of theatre and acting, or for other reasons broaden their perspectives.

The Theatre Programme is run in cooperation with the Theatre Academy, which means you will earn higher education credits – a valuable addition for those aiming to pursue further studies within the artistic field.

Teaching takes place in central Helsinki.

Akan has long-standing experience in theatre education. We have selected the very best elements and offer something unique for the Swedish-speaking community in Finland!

Within a safe and supportive environment, the programme allows you to explore the various forms and boundaries of theatre, and to investigate what theatre can mean today. The teachers on the programme are experts in their respective fields and are professionally active in the theatre scene both in Finland and internationally. In the spring term, the Theatre Programme produces a larger final production.

We value students’ personal development and aim to support you in forming your own understanding of what theatre means to you. Studies on the Theatre Programme can serve as a springboard to further education within the field, or as a foundation for continued personal development in other directions.

Explore the programme’s courses further down the page!

The studies are full-time (25 hours per week).

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 programme director.

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

Timetable
Application Period opens: February 2, 2026
Admission opportunity: To be announced later (admission can also be done remotely)

Academic Year: August 12, 2026 – May 22, 2027 (full-time studies, 25 hours/week)

Location:
The teaching is primarily based in central Helsinki (Annegatan 26).

Language of Instruction:
Swedish (English if needed)

Study fees:
450 €/month including teaching, lunch & afternoon coffee

(The fees apply to the academic year 2026-27)

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.

Apply here!