Artistic Director (m/f/d) for the “Theaterhaus Jena”

Theaterhaus Jena gGmbH is seeking a new Artistic Director, effective with the 2028/29 season:

For 35 years, Theaterhaus Jena has been regarded as a pioneering theater model: firmly rooted in its local community as a municipal theater, while also serving as a production hub for the independent theater scene in the German-speaking world—and now with a strong international network as well.

Based on the concept of an ensemble, Theaterhaus Jena has made it its mission to explore artistic modes of production and expression, to promote contemporary drama, and to develop modern working and organizational structures. Closely linked to this are both its commitment to sociocultural work within the city’s community and the targeted support of emerging artists. Every year in early July, special attention is focused on the major summer theater production. With this production, the Theaterhaus opens the Kulturarena, organized by JenaKultur, on the theater’s forecourt.

Since its founding in 1991, introducing children and young people to the art form of theater has also been an important part of the Theaterhaus’s mission. Productions for children and young people, as well as productions in which they participate, regularly round out the program. In addition, the two full-time theater educators design a variety of participatory projects with people of different ages and backgrounds.

The Theaterhaus is organized as a privately funded gGmbH and is supported by the City of Jena and the Free State of Thuringia. The shareholders are current and former employees of the Theaterhaus. The shareholders’ meeting decides on the artistic director and appoints the theater’s commercial and artistic management. A total of approximately 50 colleagues are currently permanently employed at the Theaterhaus Jena in the areas of administration, technical operations, and the arts. A maximum of eight positions are allocated for permanent ensemble members. Two rehearsal stages allow for parallel work on productions.

The unique atmosphere of the Theaterhaus Jena is shaped by its extraordinary performance venues. The main venue is the Bühnenhaus, whose auditorium was demolished in 1987. Adjustable seating arrangements here allow for a variety of staging directions and configurations. In addition, performances have also taken place in the basement and rehearsal stage, the art studio under the roof, the theater forecourt—partly with temporary containers—as well as various locations throughout the city. There is also a permanent venue partnership with Club Kassablanca.

Only teams composed of theater professionals engaged in artistic work may apply. Individual applications will generally not be considered. In principle, all applications are welcome regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, worldview,

disability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Please submit your applications exclusively in digital form by December 15, 2026. Please combine all documents into a single PDF file. The application should include a detailed artistic concept for the Theaterhaus, no longer than five pages. In addition, a brief overview of the previous artistic work of the individual team members or the entire team may be included. If applicable, please provide video material via links. If performance dates for the current season have already been set, please feel free to include them.

A selection committee will review the applications. The exact appointment will be published on this page shortly. The application process will consist of three rounds following receipt of the applications. The new Artistic Director is to be appointed no later than before the 2027 summer break.

The new Artistic Director will initially receive a contract for four seasons. This may be extended for a total of up to seven seasons. The Theaterhaus Jena is not subject to any collective bargaining agreements. Compensation is based on the salary structure of the NV-Bühne.

Contact: Markus Heinzelmann

The Artistic Director is responsible for assembling, leading, and developing the ensemble, as well as for shaping the artistic vision and artistic strategies. Together with the department heads and the Commercial Management, they are responsible, among other things, for creating and implementing the performance schedules, selecting guest performances and artistic collaborations, supporting staff, and securing external funding.

A representative of the Artistic Director is appointed by the team to serve as the Artistic Executive Director. Together with the Commercial Executive Director, the Artistic Executive Director represents the theater both internally and externally. Together, they are responsible for ensuring the financial and administrative support necessary to achieve the artistic goals. Joint decisions by both managing directors are required for all matters concerning personnel, contracts, budgets, legal issues, strategy, and the program schedule.