Information
What worries and longings do we carry within us, whether visible or hidden? What are our vulnerabilities – and where does rebellion begin? »This is absolutely normal and nobody is concerned« is a collaborative music theatre project that explores these questions.
The Elbphilharmonie is looking for people from across the city who would like to contribute creatively and bring this project to the stage together. No professional experience is necessary, though some previous involvement in one of the artistic disciplines is desirable.
The project begins with five workshop groups: music, costume, text, acting and physical performance. The collaborative creative process is divided into three phases (Phase 1: Exploration, Phase 2: Development, Phase 3: Rehearsal). During the rehearsal phase, all participants take part in the stage production, regardless of their workshop group. The project concludes with two public performances on 23 May 2027 in the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall.
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 16 to 99.
Everyone is welcome. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or any other aspect of identity, who already have some experience in their chosen area of interest. We are looking for people who are reliable, open-minded and eager to connect with others through creative collaboration.
OPEN CALL
At the OPEN CALL, interested participants will have the opportunity to meet the artistic team and gain initial insights into the working methods through a series of short workshops. The project structure and organisational framework will also be presented. At the end of the event, the workshop leaders will be available to answer questions and look forward to meeting prospective participants.
Important: As experience shows that applications are likely to exceed the number of available places, confirmation or rejection for the OPEN CALL will be sent by email on 25 November. Participation in the OPEN CALL is a prerequisite for taking part in the project. Binding registration for the project will be possible following the OPEN CALL.Registration period: 1 September–22 November 2026
Date: 5 December 2026, 11:00 or 15:00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Venue: Kaistudio 1 at the Elbphilharmonie
DATES
Please note: During the initial phase of the project, participants will work in five separate workshop groups, each exploring artistic material. In the subsequent development and rehearsal phases, these different artistic disciplines will be brought together and rehearsed collectively with the full group.
Exploration (Music, Text, Acting and Physical Performance – not Costume):
22–24 January 2027 | 19–21 February 2027 | 27–28 February 2027 (without Physical Performance) | 19-21 March 2027
Exploration (Costume):
12–14 March 2027 | 09–11 April 2027 | 23–25 April 2027
Development and Rehearsal (all):
14–18 April 2027 | 29 April–2 May 2027 | 14–17 May 2027 | 19–23 May 2027
Rehearsal times (mostly Thu/Fri): 18:00–21:00 | Rehearsal times on the weekend (Sat/Sun): 11:00–18:00
Final Performance:
23 May 2027, 16:00 and 19:00, Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall
Workshop Information & Requirements:
The Music workshop is aimed at people interested in discovering music inspired by the fairy tale »Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern« (The Little Match Girl) and creating original compositions from it. At its heart are curiosity about different musical traditions and forms of music, and the joy of experimenting together. We are looking for participants who already have some experience with an instrument or with singing. The ability to read music is helpful but not required.
The Costume workshop is for anyone interested in art, fashion, design or craft-based making. Basic sewing skills are welcome but not essential. Through a collaborative creative process, participants will develop the costume and mask design for the production.
The Text workshop is aimed at people who enjoy writing and engaging creatively with language. The starting point for the work is the fairy tale »Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern« (The Little Match Girl). Throughout the rehearsal process, the texts will be continuously developed until they form the final script. We are looking for participants with experience in creative or literary writing, including playwriting, poetry, prose, autobiographical writing, spoken word, poetry slam or songwriting. Professional training is not required. A basic command of German is desirable.
The Acting workshop is intended for people who already have some experience in acting, performance, spoken voice or singing. Drawing on the fairy tale »Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern« (The Little Match Girl), participants will create scenes exploring vulnerability, longing and resistance. We are looking for people who enjoy working with presence, voice and body and who are keen to engage in a collaborative artistic process. Professional training is not required, but experience in artistic contexts such as theatre productions, live performance, improvisation, spoken word, choral speaking, singing, choir or movement-based theatre is desirable.
The Physical Performance workshop is aimed at people who enjoy movement, like working with their bodies and would like to contribute to a choreography as part of a group. No specific circus experience is required, although previous experience in areas such as gymnastics, circus, parkour, acrobatics or dance is desirable.