The new director of the Freising Amateur Theater wants to bring a large group of children onto the stage. This should now be possible with extra casting.
Freising
– This is a special honor for him: Arnold Aschbauer is directing for the Freising Amateur Theater for the first time this year. He has big plans in his anniversary year. Among other things, he would like to bring a group of twelve children onto the stage. This should be achieved with the help of a playful casting. In the interview, the 55-year-old reveals who he is looking for and what the children are allowed to do on stage.
Mr. Aschbauer, how does a Munich native like you come to direct the Freising amateur stage?
This has to do with the Heinrich Schütz Ensemble, with which I have been musically involved for many years. There were always projects like the Romantic Choir Night, in which members of the amateur stage were also active. That's how we started talking. And because I have already written and directed plays myself, I was asked at some point whether I could imagine directing at the amateur stage.
And how did you react?
There was no hesitation. This is a great opportunity for me. And the fact that I can now direct for the amateur stage in Freising's anniversary year is a special honor, but also a special challenge.
They are directing “The House in Montevideo” by Curt Goetz. Did the anniversary also play a role in choosing your piece?
That was an exciting factor for me. It was important to me that we play a piece in the anniversary year that appeals to young and old. And a piece that offers the opportunity for many people to participate. Because of course many people want to play and take part in this special year, especially since the amateur stage can play in the Asam again for the first time in a long time. For the club, it's like returning to home and the heart of the city. You can feel this anticipation in all the preliminary meetings in the team. Everyone is infected with anniversary fever.
Will the anniversary also play a role in the content of the piece?
That is actually the case. It will be set in 1924. As you can easily calculate, the 1200th anniversary took place there. There are a surprising number of parallels to the present day. The small German town in which the comedy initially takes place also has many similarities to Freising.
There are also many children in the play.
True. The protagonist of the play, the professor, has twelve children, and I want to bring the entire group on stage.
Have the children all been cast yet?
We have nine out of twelve. Younger girls in particular seem to be enthusiastic about theater. Now there are still a few boys between the ages of six and twelve missing. We are looking for three actors who can complement the rich blessing of children.
What do the children need to bring with them?
You should be fearless about being on stage and eager to learn lines. Anyone who may have memorized a poem at school is an ideal candidate. But the most important thing is the joy of playing and the fun of getting a taste of the theater atmosphere.
Do children have to memorize a lot of text?
No, just individual sentences. The scene takes place in the first act during a luncheon. The children can do squats and sing a short song with their stage dad. You don't have to be a singing specialist to do this. This should sound authentic, just like in a normal family.
And is there something to eat for the children?
Yes. Firstly, we always have the best food backstage – even during rehearsals. Secondly, there is something on stage too, and a little surprise too.
How many performances are there?
A total of twelve, which take place in the evening except for one afternoon performance. But since the children's performance takes place in the first act, it's over for them after half an hour. Rehearsals take place outside of holiday periods. It makes sense to initially meet once a month to introduce the children to the task in a playful way. During the rehearsal phase on the big stage, I would like to have the children with me as often as possible, always in coordination with the parents.
Are the children even allowed to be on stage in the evening?
Yes, we are in close coordination with the youth welfare office. There are clear rules regarding stage times and we stick to them. For me, the valuable pillars of this year's production are Elisabeth Reisch and Nicole Schäckeler, who both work as educational specialists and with whom the children are in good hands.