The Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS) Volunteer Programme is an integral part of one of Europe’s most prestigious performing arts events.
Hosted in Sibiu, Romania, a former European Capital of Culture, this renowned festival provides a platform for volunteers to gain hands-on experience in cultural event management while contributing to the success of an internationally celebrated event.
Thanks to the support of Magna Vitae’s cultural partnerships, young people can join this extraordinary opportunity at no cost. Volunteers are immersed in the vibrant festival atmosphere, enriching their skills and experiencing diverse cultures.
This year, two talented individuals—Olivia, currently touring with Box Clever Theatre, and Hollie, who recently completed an MA in Arts and Project Management—were among the selected volunteers. Travelling to the heart of Transylvania in June, they fully embraced the ‘FITS’ experience.
As part of this opportunity, Magna Vitae invited both Hollie and Olivia to write a brief report about their experiences. Below are a few highlights from their reflections. You can also read their full reports by clicking the links below!

Hollie…
Since returning from Romania, I have given the same answer to everyone who has asked about my trip: it was the best thing I’ve ever done…
Volunteering at FITS has seen me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I was put out of my comfort zone in ways I haven’t before from translating across language barriers to providing directions around a city I’d only lived in for a few days myself. I made friendships with people I would never have expected to meet and I discovered the pure joy of sharing laughter with people with whom you can only share a few words. I have learnt more about myself, my patience and ability to offer a safe space in times of stress, my adaptability and I found a sense of optimism I didn’t know I had. I am so grateful to the festival organisers, my host family and fellow volunteers creating this opportunity for us.
I am lucky now to have friends from Romania, Turkey, Japan, France, Iran, Spain, Portugal, Moldova and the USA as well as a new friend back home in the UK. Whether it is as a volunteer, audience member, or artist, I can’t wait to continue coming back to FITS for years to come.

Olivia…
Having never attended a theatre festival before, I was excited to immerse myself in the diverse genres the festival had to offer. From dance shows to street circus acts, each performance was a unique spectacle. Thanks to the English subtitles, I could easily follow the narratives regardless of the performing company’s nationality. I was put to work with a company from France allowing me to practice my French and build a connection with a company I will hopefully work with again in the future. One of the most memorable parts of my volunteer work was assisting with John Malkovich’s performance. Observing his artistry up close was a masterclass in itself and a dream come true for any theatre enthusiast.
The highlight of my trip was experiencing ‘Faust’, a renowned Romanian play that expanded my understanding of theatre. The performance was staged in a warehouse, and midway through, the audience was moved to the back of the space, transforming the viewing into an immersive experience. This innovative approach profoundly altered my perception of what theatre can achieve.

The International Volunteer Coordinator, Mayumi, expressed her appreciation of the partnership and selection, saying,
“Thank you for sending Olivia and Hollie. They are amazing!”
Magna Vitae is extremely honoured to provide opportunities like this to people in the East Lindsey area and hopes to offer even more in the future, fostering cultural enrichment and personal growth for the local community.
FITS continues to inspire and cultivate the next generation of arts enthusiasts, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience to those fortunate enough to take part.

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