Want to be part of the final performance? Then this workshop is for you! Open to performers of all levels, this practical, supportive workshop gives you a taste of what it takes to create and perform a theatre production—from first rehearsal to final curtain. And since theatre isn’t just about acting, you’ll explore the many roles that bring a show to life, including props, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, and backstage crew.

Workshop Goals:
By the end of the workshop, participants will have:
– Experienced auditioning, rehearsing & performing
– Developed greater confidence on stage
– Learned fundamental acting, voice & movement skills
– Understood the contribution of technical & backstage theatre
– Worked collaboratively as part of an ensemble
– Taken part in a complete performance for an audience

Workshop Outline

1) Building the ensemble

• Creating a safe, encouraging atmosphere
• Trust, focus & ensemble building exercises
• Learning how every participant supports the whole production

2) Preparing the Performer

• Voice, breath & articulation exercises
• Movement, intention & emotional exercises
• Concentration, imagination & confidence building

3) Casting/Scene Work/Monologues

• Exploring character relationships & objectives
• Rehearsing a short scene/monologue
• Learning how to listen & respond truthfully

4) Discovering the World Behind the Stage

• Explore the importance of props, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, set & backstage work
• Contribute to both the performance and the practical work needed to support it

5) Rehearsal & Performance Preparation

• Blocking scenes & monologues
• Working with props, costumes, lights & sound
• Learning how to recover when something unexpected happens

6) Final Performance

• Live performances for invited audiences (FEST members, friends, and family)
• Each participant will perform their scene AND help other performers backstage

About Your Coach:

Cornelia Groeger
Actor | Producer | Director | Theatre Pedagogue

Cornelia Groeger is a professional actress and theatre pedagogue with extensive experience on stage, screen, and in theatre education. Born and raised in Kuwait with a British education, she is bilingual in English and German and has worked extensively in theatre in both New York and Germany.

She completed a two-year acting programme in New York with a strong foundation in the Meisner technique and has studied with Austin Pendleton at HB Studio and Matthew Corozine at MCS Theatre Studio. She continues to hone her craft and trains regularly with Giles Foreman at GFCA London.

Her latest stage credits in Germany include Ranyevskaya in Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard with FEST and, at the English Theatre Frankfurt (ETF), Evelyn in Diane Samuels’ Kindertransport and Judy and others in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on the novel by Mark Haddon. Her screen work includes the award-winning short film To The Ones Left, filmed in New York.

Alongside her acting career, Cornelia works as a theatre pedagogue at ETF and leads workshops in schools, universities and other educational institutions. Her teaching combines professional acting techniques with a practical and supportive approach, focusing on confidence, stage presence, physical and vocal expression, character work and ensemble building.

A former FEST chairwoman and long-standing member, Cornelia is delighted to return to FEST and share her professional experience with the community.

Logistics:

7-8.  and 14-15. Nov (Saturday & Sunday) 10:00-16:00 Theater Alte Brücke ( Kleine Brückenstraße 5, 60594 Frankfurt-Süd)

21. Nov (Saturday) 09:00-15:30 at Kulturhaus (Pfingstweidstr. 2 60316 Frankfurt)

22.  Nov (Sunday) 09:00-12:30 at Kulturhaus (Pfingstweidstr. 2 60316 Frankfurt)

Cost:

€210 for FEST members (open now)
€275 for non-members (registration for non-members will begin only on September 25, 2026)

NOTE:
We require a minimum of 12 participants and can accommodate up to 16. Secure your place by October 31, 2026, by transferring the course fee to:

Frankfurt English Speaking Theatre e.V.
IBAN: DE66 5005 0201 0200 3264 57

Once you have paid, please send proof of payment to: committee@festfrankfurt.org so we can send you a confirmation.