The Luxembourg European Annual Theatre Summer School (LEATSS) has announced its exclusive Masterclass Workshops, designed to inspire, challenge and develop participants' theatrical skills in just two days.
Taking place from Friday 31 July to Saturday 1 August 2026 at the Clairefontaine Centre d'Accueil, on the Luxembourg/Belgian border, these masterclasses offer an opportunity to work intensively with experienced theatre professionals - without committing to the full summer school programme.
The masterclasses are built around LEATSS' core philosophy of "learning by doing". The practical, hands-on sessions will allow participants to actively explore performance techniques, creative expression and collaborative storytelling.
Fees (including tuition, accommodation and meals) are as follows: €300 for a shared multi-bed room; €390 for a shared double room (hotel in Arlon); €400 for a single room (hotel in Arlon); €300 for day students (including meals). More information and application details are available at leatss.lu.
Speaking to Chronicle.lu, LEATSS Chair John Brigg confirmed that this is the first time the summer school is organising masterclasses, although it has previously held short workshops "which effectively amount to the same thing". Like all LEATSS events, the masterclasses are open to participants aged sixteen and above. He described the work as "intense but fun", requiring "a level of understanding and concentration that younger people don't always have".
Chronicle.lu: What inspired the creation of the LEATSS masterclasses as a shorter alternative to the full summer school?
John Brigg: Because the summer school is a full week plus a weekend, it's not always possible for people to take so much time off and so we wanted to offer shorter courses that could fill this gap, while still giving participants a taste of the summer school experience. As the masterclasses are held at the same venue and follow the same timetable as summer school, there is a mixing of participants and sharing of experience.
Chronicle.lu: Beyond their duration, how do the two programmes differ?
John Brigg: The main difference is that the masterclasses are concentrated. Both summer school and masterclasses have seven hours of class per day, but whereas summer school participants follow three courses as well as other general sessions, the masterclass participants have only the one course. This means that a great deal of depth can be achieved in only two days.
Chronicle.lu: What can participants realistically / concretely expect to gain in just two days?
John Brigg: As the work is concentrated, each session builds upon the previous one and so it is possible to really get to grips with the subject, to play around with it and explore. Also, as the tutors are experienced summer school tutors and workshop leaders, they know how to get the best out of participants in a relatively short time, especially because they fully understand the LEATSS ethos which is about process and not product. In other words, time isn't spent polishing up to performance level, but looking at the creative experience of the processes involved.
Chronicle.lu: What kinds of theatre techniques or styles can participants expect to explore?
John Brigg: At the 2026 masterclasses, two courses will be offered, both on the subject of Shakespeare, concentrating on two late plays which mark a change to his previous works and which set dramatic challenges. The acting one, led by Mike McCormack, will look at solving the problems posed by the texts - very similar to many modern plays - while the second one will concentrate on singing and acting through singing. This will be led by Graeme Du Fresne and will look at original music for the two plays as well as contemporary songs for present day productions. Also, both tutors are expert in making their courses great learning experiences, but thoroughly enjoyable as well. Lots of fun.
Chronicle.lu: How do tutors adapt their teaching to suit mixed-level groups (i.e. for beginners as well as those with more experience)?
John Brigg: Both tutors have had extensive teaching experience at summer school and use the experience of those with more exposure to lift those with less. Many workshop groups spend quite a bit of time getting to know each other and building confidence, but the techniques the LEATSS tutors use sweeps everyone up to be able to start working almost immediately. And as there is no emphasis on "performance", no-one is looking to see how well you do in class, but encourage trying something out. No-one can "fail" or "do something wrong": all is experience.
Chronicle.lu: Please tell us more about the choice of a natural setting in Clairefontaine and how this might support the "learning by doing" experience during these workshops.
John Brigg: Because Clairefontaine was an abbey and then converted into a boarding school, there is not a homogeneous style of building but one with a variety of rooms and spaces. Also, having the extensive grounds around the building and the forests surrounding the site, there are a number of exciting spaces for working outside, which can be used if the works fits. If the dramatic action takes place in a garden, or next to water, there are trees, a stream and a fountain to be used. The atmosphere can really inspire.
Chronicle.lu: Please also tell us more about the scholarship (€150 for shared accommodation), who is eligible and how to apply for it.
John Brigg: There is one scholarship - or subsidised place - for the masterclasses which can be awarded to anyone who could otherwise not afford to attend; there is no age limit. Prospective students must motivate their application, i.e. explain why they need the reduced fee, by sending an email to admin@leatss.lu.
Chronicle.lu: Do you see the LEATSS masterclasses expanding in the future?
John Brigg: We would really like the masterclasses to continue, but the main problem is one of accommodation. A number of the overflow rooms at Clairefontaine are no longer available and this makes it difficult increasing the number of people staying at Clairefontaine. There certainly is a need for quality workshop-style classes and we will be looking at how we can incorporate them in the future. And every time with different tutors.
