​Kai Anne Schuhmacher

Kai Anne Schuhmacher has been the Director of Opera at the Landesbühnen Sachsen since 2022 and works internationally as a stage director. As a leading figure in the theatre industry, she is deeply committed to elevating children's and youth theatre as well as promoting accessible theatre formats. Moreover, she is dedicated to increasing the visibility of female authorship in musical theatre and takes on the challenge of incorporating works by lesser-known female composers into the repertoire, including in rural regions.

Since 2019, Schuhmacher has regularly worked as a lecturer in acting and theatre studies, teaching at institutions such as the University of Vechta, the University of Bayreuth, and Middlebury College (USA).

Her own academic background includes studies in music, theatre, and communication at the University of Bayreuth and the Università degli Studi di Ferrara in Italy.

• Question 1: What influenced you the most during your time at the University of Bayreuth?

At Bayreuth, I had the opportunity to create theatre for the first time myself. The city is just the right size, it was easy to meet up with fellow students outside of class and come up with theatre projects together. I founded my first theatre group, Nota Bene e.V., in Bayreuth and was involved in designing the program booklets for the Bayreuth Festival. That was a fantastic start to my career.

• Question 2: What excites you most about your current job?

I love designing theatre seasons, being able to think both strategically and artistically. How is my ensemble developing? What interests our audience? And of course, I love creating worlds through my productions. Searching for the message behind the text and music, that’s my true passion.

• Question 3: What advice would you give to young women today for their future?
  

I wish you the confidence of a mediocre white man. Unfortunately, this saying is still relevant. I wish young women the strength to trust their instincts and to stand up not only for their boundaries but also for their opportunities.