The World Theatre Training Institute AKT-ZENT was originally founded in 1995 as AKT-ZENT International Theatre Centre Berlin by Artistic Director Jurij Alschitz and Programme Director Christine Schmalor. Since 2011, AKT-ZENT has operated as the principal research centre for training methods of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) – the World Organisation for the Performing Arts. In 2017, the centre was renamed the World Theatre Training Institute to reflect new tasks and objectives within their broader educational remit and sphere of influence.