The meeting was hosted by Łukasz Maciejewski, a lecturer at the Acting Department, who started by asking the jury members a direct question about their participation in the Theatre Schools Festival, during which they performed in their graduation shows, and what it had given them.

Dominika Biernat talked about her beginnings. The actress did not win an award at the Festival but was invited to act in a play at the Polish Theatre in Bydgoszcz.

Jacek Braciak, on the other hand, received the 9th DSF Jury award (in 1991, for the role of Łatka in "Fredraszki"), but he had to go a long way to get to the theatre company.

Mirosław Baka talked in an interesting way about the atmosphere of the Festival from 35 years ago. "I didn't get a job, I didn't get an award. But I have good memories,” he concluded.

And Tomasz Schuchardt, after his diploma play presented at the Festival in 2009, got a job at Jaracza Theatre in Łódź, although he had already appeared in auditions earlier. Tomasz also emphasized one of the most important opportunities offered by the festival – the chance to see other students play.

This year’s jury members’ memories of working on a diploma play and their first steps as actors led to the consensus that there is no single path in the profession, but you need to have "that special something".

The jurors agreed - "that something" was visible and perceptible in every role. They indicated that they saw the action in the first, second and third level. "I say this with full responsibility - we really see everything" - concluded Mirosław Baka.

The jurors also emphasized that often directorial skills and dramaturgical ambitions obscure the capabilities of the young acting team.

In the course of the discussion the participants pondered about how to define "that something" and which evaluation criterion should be adopted - acting skills, correct diction, charismatic personality? Tomasz Schuchardt attempted a definition, although it may be subject to subjective opinion: the purpose of the character, the choice of means of acting, finding the character, an attempt at contact and being in dialogue.

"Theatre is a meeting of people on stage" - emphasized Dominika, and Tomasz concluded "The stage verifies everything".

But just as a play has its beginning and end, so the Festival will soon end, as well as education at the theatre school. What's next? What tips can Jurors give to young actors entering the profession?

“It's important to work in the theatre because it's the only place where you can learn something. Don't mess around, work, work!" – pointed out Jacek Braciak.

"Or mess around and work" - joked Mirosław Baka, who admitted that it is work in the theatre that keeps an actor in a constant form of "searching", "digging into the role". Seeking experiences, enriching each role and self-improvement are key factors in the actor's work. The actor of the Wybrzeże Theatre addressed the students: "A certain stage is finishing for you, the school stage, but learning is not finishing!".

“You should take advantage of the opportunity that will come, and it can be different. But it should be used in a noble way", added Tomasz Schuchardt, recalling that the first steps, whether in the theatre or in film, can be supporting roles or even small parts. But it is worth gaining experience.

YOU ARE ENTERING THE GAME!

Without setting a path but gaining strength and experience - this was the reflection that ended the meeting of the 41st Festival of Drama Schools Jury which will pronounce its verdict on Sunday.

We are looking forward to it immensely!

ed. Małgorzata Lisiecka-Muniak
photos Mikołaj Zacharow