A Lehrgang für Declamation und Mimik (Course in Declamation and Mimics) had been in existence in Vienna since 1852, when Max Reinhardt received a call from the University of Music and Performing Arts in 1929 to create a drama seminar. Initially, this Seminar was taught at the Schlosstheater Schönbrunn, the imperial theatre in the Schönbrunn Palace.
A training program in oratory and performance (Declamation and Mimics) had been ongoing in Vienna since 1852, with Max Reinhardt being approached by the University of Music and Performing Arts in 1929 to create a drama study group. Initially, this study group was taught at the Schönbrunn Palace Theatre, an imperial theatre located within the palace.