Dünya / Zorlu PSM Offers New Opportunities for Young Talent

PSM Atölye offers education in directing, playwriting, and production to enrich theater with unique content. Curated by award-winning director Serdar Biliş, known for plays like Afife, Aşk Shakespeare, and Saatleri Ayarlama Enstitüsü, and supported by expert instructors, it provides an opportunity for 18–35-year-olds to immerse themselves in the world of theater, aiming to cultivate skilled creators for the industry.

Zühre Kurt [email protected]

To nurture new talents for the stage and support the sustainability of theater, PSM Atölye provides free education to young people. Launched by Zorlu PSM in 2021 and continuing with Mey Diageo’s sustainable corporate support, the program has entered its fourth term. With 69 graduates and 26 original plays over its first three years, PSM Atölye offers 28 weeks of theoretical and practical training in three programs: Playwriting, Theater Directing, and Theater Production. The creators of PSM Atölye answered our questions about its journey and impact.

How is the PSM Atölye project progressing, and how is it contributing to the theater industry?

Serdar Biliş (Director, PSM Atölye Curator): PSM Atölye is making confident strides by opening its doors to young people, training the next generation of professionals, and connecting them with key opportunities and dialogues in the theater industry.

From the beginning, our goal was to cultivate individuals who would work behind the scenes in theater. This motivation was driven by a desire to shape their vision both in the sector and within the workshop itself. Participants emerge as valuable contributors to the creative process. Our criteria focus on enthusiasm, a professional attitude, and openness to innovation and growth.

The passion of these young professionals makes the educational process more fruitful. From the outset, the program emphasizes communication, dreaming together, and guiding these young people as they take their first steps toward realizing their dreams. PSM Atölye provides motivation, skill-building, and opportunities for them to thrive. Seeing participants enter the industry after completing the program is a testament to the quality of the training provided.

How has PSM Atölye shaped your life?

Selin Yankı Ceylan (PSM Atölye Graduate, Writer of Afife): Joining PSM Atölye was incredibly challenging. In addition to submitting my initial play, I had to write a new short play or scene weekly, going through multiple selection rounds, topped with an oral interview.

But I was so passionate about being part of the program that the process felt more exciting than stressful. It affirmed that I was in the right place. Once admitted, I had the privilege of working with esteemed local and international writers week after week.

How did writing Afife impact you?

Above all, it brought me pride. Pride as a woman, as a writer, and as a human. I am proud of her courage, which transcended her time, and of myself for having the privilege to tell her story. While the challenges she faced and my creative journey are not comparable, every act of creativity requires the courage to assert oneself: “I exist in this world.”

What inspired PSM Atölye, and how do you ensure its sustainability?

Filiz Ova (General Manager, Zorlu PSM): Our primary goal when launching PSM Atölye was to make the cultural arts ecosystem sustainable, foster new talent in theater, enrich the repertoire with original content, and bring new skills to the industry.

Since its inception in 2021, PSM Atölye has entered its fourth term, having graduated 69 students and produced 26 original plays in its first three years. This year, 22 students have begun training in production, directing, and playwriting. At Zorlu PSM, we remain committed to advancing this initiative and contributing to the industry’s development.

How does PSM Atölye benefit the sector and young people?

Bahar Uçanlar (General Manager, Mey Diageo): PSM Atölye breathes fresh air into performing arts, focusing on discovering and developing new talent. With its training in Playwriting, Theater Directing, and Production, it builds a robust foundation for the industry. The balance of theory and practice equips young artists not only for personal growth but also for shaping Turkey’s cultural future. The final performance, “Shorts Marathon,” clearly demonstrates the program’s meaningful impact.