Empowerment
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE INDUSTRY
Workshop for Film- und Theatre Professionals
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Your career. Your rules. Your success.
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For the film and theatre industry, artists are trained extensively—but there is hardly any preparation for the realities of the profession. Our two-day workshop gives you what no university teaches: hands-on insider knowledge from 25 years of industry experience. Knowledge that is often only available through exclusive networks.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’ll share everything we wish we had known at the start of our own careers: How do I find an agent? How can I protect myself from discrimination and harassment? How do I build a sustainable career? And how do I survive in an industry shaped by insecure, precarious working conditions—and often problematic power structures?
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Special highlight: Actress and martial arts instructor Mai Duong Kieu brings Kung Fu exercises that strengthen your mindset. You’ll learn how to deal with setbacks, analyze challenges, and get back up again and again—even after defeat.​
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WHO IS IT FOR?
This empowerment workshop is for professionals across all departments (actors, directors, costume designers, set designers, hair & makeup artists, assistant directors, producers, showrunners, etc.) in theatre and film who want to take their careers to the next level.
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WHY THIS WORKSHOP?
We bridge the gap between artistic training and professional reality. Our goal is to empower you to shape your career in a self-determined, sustainable, and informed way—so you don’t have to figure everything out the hard way, like we did.
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WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS​​​
Mai Duong Kieu (she/her) came to Germany from northern Vietnam at the age of five. As a child, she trained in Chinese Kung Fu and later taught at her family’s martial arts school. At 13, she first appeared on stage at the Municipal Theatre in Chemnitz. She had her breakthrough as an actress in 2018 with the internationally successful series Bad Banks. Since then, she has been committed to promoting tolerance and democracy and to opposing racism. Her personal story—shaped by challenges and triumphs—has made her an advocate for understanding and empathy between cultures. As a successful actress and martial arts instructor, she bridges both worlds: the mental strength gained through Kung Fu and deep insight into the realities of the media industry.
Sara Sommerfeldt (she/her) is a professionally trained actor (Diplom) with many years of experience in the theatre and film industry. In 2021, she founded RISING GAZE and has since built it into a leading company for Diversity & Inclusion story development and consulting within the German-speaking cultural and media sector. As a certified anti-violence trainer, conflict manager, and systemic de-escalation coach, she and her team have successfully supported major film productions as a trusted contact and awareness officer. Sara Sommerfeldt also leads workshops on female empowerment, D&I leadership, and awareness, including for the Erich Pommer Institute, Produktionsallianz Campus, Drehübung Wien, Bruckner University Linz, Mediacampus Frankfurt, and the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy.​​​​
SCHEDULE & CONTENT DAY 1 - CAREER Morning: - Values work and Mindset: Overcoming blocks and taking action - Career building: Strategies for long-term success and financial stability - Networking & Social Media: Building your own community and brand - Taking up space: Becoming visible and self-care - Mental empowerment: Overcoming limiting beliefs Afternoon: - Energy Movement & Martial Empowerment: Programming your brain for success - Warrior Mindset: Preparing for the fight, dealing with setbacks, persevering DAY 2 - AWARENESS Morning: - Awareness, duty of care, Equal Treatment Act: Know your rights - Contract drafting: From anti-discrimination clauses to inclusion riders - Intimacy on set: What you need to know about handling nude scenes and intimacy coordination - Communication & Conflict resolution: Tools and knowledge for managing difficult situations Afternoon: - Energy Movement & Martial Empowerment: Movement, self-care, regeneration - Warrior Mindset: Post-battle analysis, processing setbacks, building resilience, moving on
TESTIMONIALS "The workshop provides practical, insider knowledge gleaned from decades of experience – knowledge you can't learn in any traditional training program. I found the approach of reflecting on my own limiting beliefs and developing sustainable ways to strengthen myself particularly valuable. The trainers contributed not only professional expertise but also personal experience, which made the workshop very authentic and empowering. I was able to take away a great deal for my daily work – especially the courage to stand up clearly against discrimination, harassment, and abuse of power. Highly recommended!" CAROLA HESSE, Documentary Filmmaker & EU Project Manager "The workshop was very engaging and empowering. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking motivation and resilience on their journey!" CLAUDIA RORARIUS, Director "The workshop with Sara & Mai contained an incredible amount of valuable information that helps us in the film industry to confidently stand up for ourselves. It has had a lasting impact on how I can navigate the professional world honestly and clearly, build a career while staying true to my values—and supporting others in doing the same." KIEU ANH DUONG, Hair, Make-up & SFX Artist "HTNTI helped me see clearly what I truly want to achieve as an actor. Sara and Mai understand how to reveal new perspectives and possibilities for action without sugarcoating the challenges. The workshop asks the important questions and provides tools to answer them. Highly recommended." THOMAS ZERCK, Actor "The workshop brought home to me once again how important effective communication is. Whether it's positioning myself in public with inner clarity, in line with my values as a person and artist, or maintaining non-violent and respectful communication in challenging (work) situations. The workshop provides groundbreaking insights for both. It was very enriching!" FLORENTINE SCHARA, Actress "I thoroughly enjoyed the HTNTI workshop with Mai and Sara and learned many exciting and useful things about communication, goal setting, and career planning. The exchange with the other participants was also very enriching. Highly recommended!" ANNA SCHIMRIGK, Actress & Author
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Workshop in Berlin, 10 th. / 11 th. February 2026, 10:00 - 06:30 pm (1,5 hour lunch pause)
Price: 495,00 Euro incl. VAT
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The number of participants is limited. Funding from GVL (â…“ of the course fee) or the KOMPASS funding program for solo self-employed persons (90% of the course fee) can be applied for.
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Accessibility: Feel free to get in touch and let us know what you need in order to participate.
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