Successful transition period at the Coburg State Theater

It was a season of transition that still reflects the influence of Bodo Busse. The extremely successful former Director of the Coburg State Theater, who moved to the Saarland State Theater last year, had put the preparations in place for this season together with his management team. It is this interim directorate who are to thank for the fact that the period of transition this year – and the unavoidable uncertainty that came with it – passed smoothly and under control, aside from a few technical hiccups and staff illnesses.

In the meantime, the new Theater Director, Bernhard Loges, has made his presence felt at various opportunities. From September it will be his vision that is guiding the theater. Records show that around 120,700 visitors enjoyed superb theater in all four divisions and also took advantage of the additional offers such as matinee performances and tours. The State Theater boasts a 76 percent overall capacity utilization – up 3 percent from last year. Judging the success of the theater based on figures alone has always been difficult – even problematic. The initial burst of enthusiasm with the arrival of Busse generated up to 124,000 visitors and a capacity utilization of over 80 percent. Is it good or bad that this season, with a total of 526 performances, had some 40 fewer offers than in 2015/16, which did however see “only” 18,000 visitors? Utilization with fewer performances at a lower expense looks to be a better option. At a meeting of the city council, administration Director Frömming even referred to an increase in revenue of 195,000 euros compared to the previous year. This was the aim of various additional measures and the decision to put on more shows in December, a popular month for visitors, and to reschedule all rehearsals.

In the realm of musical theater, 5,420 visitors reveled in Puccini’s Tosca. Rusaka and Mahagonny provided spectators with an entirely different, even more immersive opera experience. The concerts of the philharmonic orchestra remain a perennial delight. With A Spider Murphy Story, Drama Director Matthias Straub has succeeded in creating a hit with boundless potential that will continue into the following season. The piece was consistently sold out and enjoyed four guest performances at the Price Regent Theater in Munich.

Sometimes, however, a production really is good, and yet the public simply doesn’t want to watch it – like Am Boden in the Reithalle, a play about the new state of warfare, originating in computers. On the other hand, Die Geschichte vom Soldaten, a dance and drama production in the Reithalle (with a total capacity utilization of 74 percent) boasted a capacity of 90 percent. The managers have bridged the gap between two theater directors, as well as tying audience appeal together with and artistic and economic success. “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved,” says Commercial Director Fritz Frömming, commenting on the season as a whole.