- ACADEMY
Challengers Academy 2026
„The “HIA Master of Ceremonies Academy" is a unique community in Lithuania where humanist ceremony masters grow and develop.
We select, train and certify those who can create meaning, guided by a humanistic worldview. The training is divided into two main parts: theoretical and practical.
Ceremony leaders not only write and conduct non-religious ceremonies – they create a space for feelings, reflection, remembrance, and connection between people. They are not just performers, but also those who can listen and unlock the most important stories and meanings that help create the most resonant ceremony.
Theoretical part
In the theoretical part, celebrants are taught to create unique, personalised ceremonies, giving meaning to clients' values. Creating meaning is a complex creative process, for which we have a clear, tested, and structured system for creating ceremonies. During the training, participants acquire tools and a structure that allows them to work with clarity and self-confidence. They learn how to listen to people's stories and transform them into meaningful celebrations, how to establish a genuine connection with clients, addressing their values and needs. Great attention is paid to stage presence, emotional management, and creating atmosphere, so that each ceremony is conducted with confidence and sensitivity.
Practical part
In the practical part, each ceremonial master works with an experienced mentor who is present throughout the learning process.
A supportive and growing community is the strength of our team. The reading, mentoring, and writing clubs, where experienced colleagues share their knowledge and practical skills, provide significant assistance.
We have approved the methodology for training celebrants, contributed to the creation and approval of an international quality standard for humanist ceremonies (2024, London), and are organising a Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator, through which we have trained foreign partners from Australia, Malaysia, Hungary, Peru, and Mexico.
Master of ceremonies
We invite you to gain a unique profession and become a celebrant of humanist ceremonies. Ambassadors of Humanist Ideas, HIA, is an organisation that unites and supports a network of celebrants of humanist ceremonies throughout Lithuania. We are members of the international humanist association, Humanists International.