Student-led initiative builds bridges between artistic education institutions
The initiators behind the project, composition student Albert Laubel from RDAM and musical theatre student Trille Luna Dalgaard Pedersen from DASPA (Danish National School of Performing Arts), drove the project forward and set the tone for the entire process. Together, they shared a vision that this type of collaboration could create stronger connections between artistic education institutions, allow new collaborations to flourish, and explore what a group of inspired students could create using the musical as a format.
It took nearly a year to establish the project, including applying for funding and assembling the right team of students and professionals, and in January 2026 the project was finally realised.
The 48 hours
The team consisted of two playwriting students and six acting students from DASPA, as well as two composition students from RDAM. Prior to their first meeting, all participants received a crash course in music drama and were given basic preparation in writing musicals.
The project participants met for the first time in Fredericia, received a series of creative constraints from project manager and RDAM/DASPA teacher Lasse Dan Hansen, and from there began producing a musical which, 48 hours later, was performed at Fredericia Musical Theatre.
“Everyone involved – both students and professionals – gave themselves fully, and it became an intense and generous declaration of love for the musical as an art form,” says Lasse Dan Hansen.
“It was really amazing to be part of it – I’ve never experienced such an intensive workshop format before, and it’s incredible how much you can accomplish in such a short time. And it was truly great to work across the schools!” says composition student Martha Bach Gislinge.
An important and inspiring project
RDAM supports and encourages projects initiated and driven by students and sees great value in students meeting and collaborating across institutions. The importance of the project is clearly articulated by Lasse Dan Hansen:
“I am extremely enthusiastic about the entire process. In Denmark, there is no formal education specifically focused on writing new musicals, and the development of the genre therefore lacks a permanent institutional anchor. That is precisely why cross-institutional projects like this are so important: they create space for collaboration, talent development, and artistic curiosity across educational programmes. This project functions as an incubator where new voices can be tested, and where both students and teachers can explore how the musical as an art form can develop artistically.”
The initiators themselves are also very pleased with the project and its ripple effects:
“I generally believe that projects like this are what strengthen new Danish music drama – bringing new young forces together to collaborate and test themselves during their education. I have already begun small collaborations with a couple of the students who participated, and that has grown directly out of this project,” says Albert Laubel.
“For me, our 48-hour project is proof of how important cross-school collaboration is. When such creative and passionate minds work together, you really can create a musical in just 48 hours – it’s magical! I hope this concept can continue and inspire future students, just as it has inspired me,” says Trille Luna Dalgaard Pedersen.
Participants
Composition: Albert Laubel and Martha Bach Gislinge (RDAM)
Playwriting: Nora Bjerge and Trine Marie Thostrup (DASPA)
Acting: Carmen Baron, Helene Minna Joyce Brink, Zilas Mølgaard Gregersen, Nadja Cheblaoui, Trille Luna Dalgaard Pedersen and Helmer Solberg (DASPA)
Project managers: Lasse Dan Hansen, lecturer (RDAM and DASPA)
Bjørg Gamst, Associate Professor and Head of Education, Musical Academy in Fredericia (DASPA)
Sandra Theresa Buch, Head of the Playwriting Programme, DASPA Aarhus
Read more
Read more about the 48-hour musical and DASPA
Albert Laubel og Trille Luna Dalgaard Pedersen
Photo
Martin Dam Kristensen
