Kleist Prize now without age limit – Application still possible until August 31

The application phase for the Kleist Prize for New Drama 2025 is in full swing. Authors have until August 31 to submit their works for the award, which is being presented for the 30th time by the Kleiststadt Frankfurt (Oder), the Dramaturgische Gesellschaft and the Kleist Forum Frankfurt (Oder). For the first time, the age restriction has been lifted; previously, applicants could not be older than 35 at the closing date. In addition, the prize money has been increased to 10,000 euros.

"The Kleist Prize remains an important and forward-looking award, with which we now want to support authors without age restrictions who have not yet had more than one text premiered. In cooperation with renowned German-language theaters, there is still a guarantee that the winning play will be premiered. Age should not play a role in this," says Florian Vogel, Artistic Director of the Kleist Forum and Chairman of the Kleist Prize jury.

The prize is regarded as a trailblazer for many internationally renowned authors. In 2025, it is linked to a world premiere guarantee at Theater Aachen. The jury's decision will be announced at a press conference in January 2025 and the award ceremony will take place at the Kleist Festival in October 2025.