The Staatstheater Augsburg is one of the most important cultural institutions in Bavaria and is a lively center for music, drama, ballet and innovative theater formats. It emerged from the traditional Theater Augsburg on September 1, 2018 and has since established itself as a five-division theater - one of the three major state theater locations in Bavaria alongside Munich and Nuremberg. It is supported by a non-profit foundation, which the city and state support in equal measure in a unique model.
While the listed Grosses Haus on Kennedyplatz is being extensively renovated and modernized - with completion planned by 2029/30 - the Staatstheater is using its creative energy to stage several interim venues in the city. In the martini Park, a converted industrial hall with 620 seats, large-scale drama, music theater and ballet productions are being staged. The brechtbühne in the Gaswerk offers around 230 seats for intimate theater formats and smaller dance productions. In addition, concerts by the Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra regularly take place in the Kongress am Park, while special formats are repeatedly staged in unusual locations in the city - from museums to churches.
A special highlight is the traditional open-air stage at the Rote Tor, one of the largest open-air venues in southern Germany with over 2,100 seats. Operas, musicals and concerts have been performed here in the open air for over 80 years - against a historic backdrop and with an impressive atmosphere. The origins of this summer festival date back to 1928, when Hugo von Hofmannsthal's "Jedermann" was first staged in Augsburg.
Artistically, the theater has its own drama, ballet and music theater ensemble as well as a powerful opera choir and the renowned Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra. The Staatstheater is currently managed by Artistic Director André Bücker, who has been responsible for the artistic direction since 2017. Ulrike Kuhrdt has been the managing director since the end of the 2023/24 season - together they form the board of the supporting foundation.
