ITSelF International Theatre Schools Festival
The ITSelF International Theatre Schools Festival is a biennial event organized by The Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw, Poland. Theatre schools from around the globe are invited to stage performances and take part in panels, workshops, and networking events. The festival aims to promote theatre culture and young talent, foster the exchange of ideas and experiences, and bring cultures closer together by gathering international artists and institutions.
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute was honored to participate in ITSelF in 2011 , 2015, and 2017 — each year presenting a production featuring LSTFI students and alumni on an international stage.
In 2011, Anna Strasberg, co-founder and Artistic Director of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, taught a special master class in Lee Strasberg’s Method Acting at the festival. The Institute presented A Hatful of Rain, directed by Johanna McKeon.
In 2015, LSTFI alumnus Mike Turner won the festival’s award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Red Light Winter, directed by Laura Savia. Accepting the award, Turner shared:
“This is a tremendous, tremendous, tremendous honor. This festival, and everybody here, is so kind. It’s been incredible for all of us on the American team to be here and to meet all of you and to see everything we saw. Poland, and the festival, and the school, and all of you — thank you so much.”
Fellow Red Light Winter cast member Ignacio Borderes reflected on the experience:
“We get to represent the U.S. and, to some extent, Method Acting… I think it’s an honor.”
Finally, in 2017, the Institute presented Fool for Love, directed by Shaun Peknic, continuing LSTFI’s tradition of bringing powerful performances to the ITSelF stage.
Over the years, LSTFI’s participation in ITSelF has not only showcased the talent and dedication of its students, but also strengthened global connections through the shared language of theatre. Each appearance served as a celebration of Method Acting and a testament to the Institute’s commitment to training the next generation of world-class performers.
