Dresden Plans to Operate Theaters Itself Without Job Cuts

The planned establishment of a Dresden municipal theater company, “Städtische Bühnen,” is not intended to come at the expense of the affected theaters. David Klein, Director of Culture and Historic Preservation, assured this during the presentation of the new season at the European Center for the Arts in the Festspielhaus Hellerau. In addition to Hellerau, the Theater Junge Generation and the Staatsoperette are to be part of the municipal theater company.

Department Head: Not a Cost-Cutting Measure

The organizational and legal merger of the city’s three theater companies is not a cost-cutting measure. Nor would a “cultural conglomerate” be created. The venues would continue to exist as independent brands. However, with an eye toward the necessary consolidation, “necessary increases that we have in each venue individually—in terms of personnel and operating costs—could be cushioned somewhat better.”

According to Klein, the city expects to achieve a more efficient structure in areas such as central administration, financial management, and the workshops. Compared to the current situation, neither job cuts nor a reduction in subsidies are planned.