Education Day

Sound technician

Responsibilities:

Sound technicians are responsible for mixing vocals and orchestra at the sound desk. They manage microphones before, during, and after the show, maintain the intercom and music systems, and wire performers with body mics. They handle sound systems, loudspeakers, technical recording equipment, mixing desks, computers and lay cables.

Training opportunities:

• Musical training
• Apprenticeship as an event technician
• Electrotechnical training
• University of Applied Sciences (e.g. media technology)
• University (e.g. event engineering, audio engineering)

Skills and interests:

• Interest in theatre and music
• Musicality or a good ear
• Stress resistance
• Multitasking

Musical theatre performer

Responsibilities:

Musical theatre performers bring their roles to life on stage through a combination of acting, singing, and dancing. Each production includes leading roles, ensemble members, and swing performers (who cover multiple roles). To be cast in a show, performers must audition and present their skills in front of a panel. Rehearsals typically last 6 to 8 weeks, followed by regular brush-up rehearsals to maintain the artistic quality of the production throughout its run.

Training opportunities:

• University degree in musical theatre (for example Institut für Musikalisches Unterhaltungstheater, MUK)
• Training to become a musical theatre performer

Skills and interests:

• Enthusiasm for theatre and music
• High level of musicality, good ear and sense of rhythm
• Singing, dancing and acting
• Physical resilience and fitness

Prop technician

Responsibilities:

Props managers are responsible for ensuring that props are complete, functional and in the right place during rehearsals and performances. Their main task is to build, procure, manage, place, repair and maintain all necessary props, i.e. items such as furniture, fake weapons, crockery, pictures and even food. They are also responsible for pyrotechnic effects and work closely with the performers and other departments. Props are often very detailed and must meet precise specifications, which is why extensive knowledge is useful.

Training opportunities:

• Apprenticeship as a carpenter or in the field of interior design
• Apprenticeship as an event technician
• Career changers with relevant skills

Skills and interests:

• Artistic interest
• Manual dexterity
• Organizational talent
• Creativity
• Willingness to work theatre-specific hours (evenings, weekends, public holidays)
• Team spirit

Conductor

Responsibilities:

The conductor sets the tempo for both the orchestra and the singers during each performance, ensuring seamless coordination between all musical elements. They lead rehearsals and work closely with other creative departments to integrate the music effectively into the production. Throughout the season, the conductor is responsible for maintaining the highest artistic and musical standards.

Training opportunities:

• Study orchestral and choral conducting
• Study piano

Skills and interests:

• Interest in theatre and music
• High level of musicality
• Excellent ear and sense of rhythm
• Mastery of an instrument
• Leadership skills

Our conductors

Stage manager

Responsibilities:

The stage manager coordinates all aspects of the show and serves as the central point of contact between departments. They announce lighting and stage cues, communicate changes or deviations in the performance, and ensure the smooth running of each show from start to finish. From the first day of rehearsals, the stage manager supervises the process and is essential during stage rehearsals. They act as the organizational link between the artistic and technical teams, mediating between the director, creative departments, and stage crew. During rehearsals, they record the director’s instructions in the stage manager’s call book, which includes the piano score and dialogue. During performances, they are responsible for executing all lighting and stage cues — their favorite word: “GO!”

Training opportunities:

• Musical training
• Studies or training in theatre or music
• Practical theatre experience
• Event technology
• Training abroad ‘Stage Management/Production Stage Management (UK)’

Skills and interests:

• Music and theatre 
• Reading music/rhythm
• Problem-solving skills and composure
• Communication skills
• Multitasking

Fly operator

Responsibilities:

Fly operators are responsible for the care and implementation of scenic requirements during rehearsals and performances, also for maintenance and repair of the upper and lower stage machinery. Their responsibilities primary include operating and programming at the machine control panel and raising and lowering decorations, backdrops, curtains, lighting trusses and stage elements of the manual and/or motorized lace-up floor system. During performances, their main task is to precisely execute transformations according to set commands and to visually and acoustically monitor the movement sequences in coordination with other technical departments.

Training opportunities:

• Apprenticeship as an event technician
• Vocational high school with technical focus
• Vocational training in the field of electrical engineering or similar

Skills and interests:

• Technical understanding of mechanical and moto systems
• High sense of responsibility and safety thinking
• Teamwork skills and good communication skills
• Ability to concentrate, even under time pressure during a performance
• Physical resilience and free from vertigo
• Flexibility regarding working hours (evening, weekend and holiday shifts)
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development