A Look Behind the Scenes at the Deutsche Oper Berlin

VBKI Young Professionals Discover the Hidden Workings of Musical Theater

Text by Undine Kugler | Event Management

At their meetup on May 7, the VBKI’s Young Professionals got a first-hand look at just how much technical, organizational, and behind-the-scenes work goes into an evening at the opera. Instead of taking their seats in the auditorium, this exclusive tour took them to a place that usually remains hidden from the audience during regular theater operations: behind the scenes at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

During the tour, the juniors gained insights into one of Germany’s largest opera houses. The Deutsche Oper Berlin opened in 1961 and has been synonymous with world-class musical theater for decades. With its modern stage house, spacious workshops, and complex technical processes, it is not only a cultural flagship of the capital but also an organization where numerous trades work together seamlessly every day.

Among other places, the young professionals visited the orchestra pit, the rehearsal stages, and the backstage storage area, where they learned about the coordination and precision required to bring large-scale productions to the stage night after night. Above all, it became clear just how closely technical processes, set design, logistics, and artistic work are intertwined.

A visit to the costume workshop at the Deutsche Oper Berlin revealed just how much work goes into the details of a production. Costume Director Wiebke Horn gave the Young Professionals a glimpse into the work of the costume workshop and explained the requirements for materials, craftsmanship, and functionality of stage costumes. The young professionals were able to experience firsthand how heavy individual costumes can become depending on the fabrics and materials used. The visit highlighted the precision and care that go into crafting every single costume.

Another special moment of the evening: The Young Professionals arrived right in the middle of the set construction for Richard Wagner’s tetralogy *Der Ring des Nibelungen*—directed by Stefan Herheim. This gave the juniors a firsthand look at the technical and organizational challenges involved in a production of this scale. Amid set pieces, stage transformations, and the final preparations before the performances, it became clear just how many steps go into putting on an evening of opera.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Deutsche Oper Berlin—especially Severin Hosang and Rufus Franzen—for the fascinating insights and the opportunity to get to know one of Europe’s most renowned music theaters from a new perspective.