Franziska Schütz becomes the new head of the Young Theater in Kiel!

Franziska Schütz becomes the new head of the Young Theater in Kiel!

On October 9, 2025 it was announced that the Junge Theater in the Werftpark in Kiel would be given a new management from the 2026/2027 season. With Franziska-Theresa Schütz, an experienced artist has been appointed to the top of the theater. She succeeds Astrid Großgasteiger, who will move to the Landestheater Niederbayern in the summer of 2026. The Kiel Theater has officially published this exciting news and the city can look forward to a breath of fresh air in its artistic program.

Born in Berlin in 1971, Schütz studied acting at the Ecole Philippe Gaulier in London and founded the Gargoyle Theater in 1993. Her versatility is reflected not only in her career, but also in her various activities as a director, which have taken her to renowned theaters such as the Landestheater Linz or the Schauspiel Leipzig. From 2011 to 2016 she worked as director of the Junges Theater Heidelberg and then worked as a freelance director for various theaters.

A heart for the young audience

Schütz not only brings extensive experience in the field of children's and youth theater. She has also realized international collaborations, such as with the Tashkent Youth Theater in Uzbekistan, and is known for organizing concert events for young audiences. Her motto “Together” reflects her philosophy: she firmly believes that we can achieve more together. “I’m looking forward to discovering the city of Kiel and the theater in the Werftpark and bringing stories to the stage for young audiences,” says Schütz.

The general director Daniel Karasek emphasizes the importance of Schütz’s experience and creativity for the young branch of the theater. Their productions include works by greats such as Goethe, Horváth and Schimmelpfennig and have repeatedly caused a stir in the past. The city of Kiel can look forward to new perspectives and innovative performances.

A strong network for children's and youth theater

The environment in which Schütz operates is extremely lively and diverse. The ASSITEJ Federal Republic of Germany, a network for children's and youth theater in Germany, has around 400 members. This includes professional theaters as well as individual artists and institutions that are committed to promoting and developing theater for young audiences. The association acts as an interest group and actively supports the interests of children's and youth theater on a political and social level.

With Franziska-Theresa Schütz, the Junge Theater in the Werftpark in Kiel is now under the direction of a passionate director who, with her extensive range of experience, fits perfectly into this position. The coming years in Kiel promise an exciting time at the theater for young and old.

You can find more information about Schütz and her predecessor here: nachtkritik.de and kn-online.de. In addition, it offers ASSITEJ further exciting insights into the children's and youth theater scene.