Sad end: Schwerin ensemble fears clear-cutting in the theater

Sad end: Schwerin ensemble fears clear-cutting in the theater

A look behind the scenes at the Mecklenburg State Theater in 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 those of the ensemble regarding the upcoming layoffs. How nachtkritik.de reports, Trautmann and six colleagues are affected by the non-renewal of their contracts, which is causing great shock in the theater landscape. The discussions, which 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 about the emotional impact of the decision in her letter. She has been working in the theater for seven years and has collaborated with Peschel in several productions, including “Finita la Commedia or the salvation of the world through the adherents 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 because of the indifference with which the layoffs were communicated. What is particularly dramatic is that there are no severance payments for the departing actors, which further exacerbates the precarious situation.

Realignment with consequences

Milan Peschel is concerned about the developments, which he sees as unusual for an ongoing directorate. The realignment of the acting department is intended to bring about savings, but the result is that almost the entire ensemble is threatened with clear-cutting. The final season is expected to be that of many of the remaining 13 ensemble members.

This situation not only exemplifies the challenges theater managers face today, but also raises deeper questions about the long-term stability of the theater scene. Loud akademie-management.de Today, theater managers must have a good knack for managing crises and changes - both of which are crucial here too. The art lies not only in the staging, but above all in the skillful handling of personnel and finances.

Reflection of the industry

The developments at the Mecklenburg State Theater are not isolated. Meanwhile, the Cologne acting ensemble is experiencing its own complex transformation. Director Stefan Bachmann has terminated his contract early to become head of Vienna's Burgtheater, and at the same time the return to the city center after a lengthy renovation is not without challenges. How tdz.de reports, the new beginning brings with it both uncertainties and opportunities, especially in the search for a new director. The desire for co-determination and confident redesign of the theater landscape is also noticeable there.

The pressure to create a viable future as a theater is becoming increasingly tense for both directors and actors. These developments lead to a thoughtful look at the artistic and economic future of theater in Germany. Given the pressing questions surrounding human resources management and creative demands, the industry is at a crossroads.