Sad end: Schwerin ensemble fears clear cutting in the theater

Sad end: Schwerin ensemble fears clear cutting in the theater

Schwerin, Deutschland - A look behind the scenes of the Mecklenburg State Theater Schwerin reveals worrying developments. In a moving letter that actress Antje Trautmann sent to director Milan Peschel on July 6, 2025, she expresses her fears and that of the ensemble with regard to the upcoming layoffs. As Nachtkritik.de are reported by the non-extension of their contracts, causes great shock in the theater landscape. The talks that took place on July 2nd ended with the sobering news that the actors concerned will no longer be part of the ensemble after the 2025/26 season.

Trautmann reports in detail in her letter about the emotional effects of the decision. She has worked at the theater for seven years and worked with Peschel in several productions, including "Finita la Commedia or the salvation of the world by the supporters of escapism" (2022), "Chico lemon in the valley of Hope" (2024) and "I will love you" (2025). The mood in the ensemble is tense, not least due to the indifference with which the layoffs were communicated. It is particularly dramatic that there are no severance payments for the outgoing actors, which increases the precarious situation.

realignment with consequences

Milan Peschel is concerned about the developments that he considers as unusual for an ongoing directorate. The realignment of the drama division is intended to bring savings, but which means that almost the entire ensemble is threatened by a clear cut. The last season is expected to be the 13 ensemble members of many of the remaining.

This situation is not only an example of the challenges that theater managers are confronted with these days, but also raises deeper questions about the long -term stability of the theater scene. According to akademie-management.de , theater managers must have a good hands for the management of crises and changes today-both are crucial here too. The art is not only in the staging, but especially in skillful handling of staff and finance.

reflection of the industry

The developments at the Mecklenburg State Theater are not isolated. In the meantime, the Cologne acting ensemble experiences its own complex transformation. Director Stefan Bachmann has dissolved his contract early to become head of the Vienna Burgtheater, and at the same time the return to the city center is not without challenges after lengthy renovation. As tdz.de , the new start brings both uncertainties and opportunities, especially in the search for a new directorate. The desire for participation and confident redesign of the theater landscape can also be felt there.

The pressure to design a sustainable future as a theater is becoming increasingly tense for both directors and actors. These developments lead to a thoughtful view of the artistic and economic future of the theater in Germany. In view of the pressing questions about personnel management and creative demands, the industry is on the scabbard.