THE DAILY MADNESS

A typical day in the life of an artistic director:
There was a fire alarm during the night. A composer wants to present his latest work. Mr. B is urgently requesting a call back. There’s a complaint that the hearing assistance system isn’t working in the balcony. According to the orchestra steward, the operetta’s sheet music is illegible. The premiere of the play is approaching, but the lighting schedule seems too tight. A sound recording needs to be made urgently. The artistic and commercial directors are discussing the new staffing plan.

The ballet director is concerned that the prima ballerina’s illness might be more than just a stomach bug. The touring venue urgently needs press materials. An actress posts a picture of her dog on Instagram. The graphic designer is waiting anxiously for the dramaturge’s text. A request for festival tickets comes in. The sales team agrees on a new subscription campaign. The director for the upcoming Strauss opera presents his concept, but the set designer has missed his flight. The agent of the lead tenor asks that he be excused from the first week of rehearsals. Mr. B calls again. The dramaturge had finished the text after all, but saved it on the wrong drive. The technical department’s schedule shows overtime, but the department head justifies it with next week’s public holiday.

The head of props gleams with excitement as he presents a pyro effect for the play, but he needs a bigger budget. A choir singer requests time off for her sister’s wedding.

Mr. B gets his call. Ms. T cannot be reached. Publisher X wants to recommend a new work. Another choir member also wants time off – just for a guest appearance. The occupational health doctor requests a meeting on “Fit for the Arts.” The franking machine has been repaired, but the mail-out to the children’s choir has been delayed. The choir director starts a WhatsApp group about it. The planning of the new staff agreement with the works council is progressing. The administration needs budget approval for the children's fees in "The Sound of Music". The makeup department is asking for approval on the new wigs. There’s a sponsor reception in the box foyer.

And then – after this entire circus – the theatre miracle happens: All the actors are present, the stage manager calls the half-hour, and at 7:30 pm the curtain rises. On stage, there is love and sorrow, risk and reward, and a focus on one single moment: the performance. The audience responds with thunderous applause and bravos. Costumes off, reset. Tomorrow, it all starts again…