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Annika Ströhmann, 8 years

I have been with the Young Ensemble since 2009. It first crossed my mind to join the team when I saw “The Children of the Bounty.” I liked it so much that my mum and I drove to the casting. I was so happy when they took me.

I very much enjoy the ballet dancing, but it’s even more fun to rehearse with costumes.

My dream is to go to high school later, and to stay with Friedrichstadt-Palast as long as possible. Many children perform in the children’s show – without adults – and I love it.

Mathilda Barchmann, 15 years

I have been here for 5 years, and I always look forward to being part of a story in the shows. To be able to perform together with the others in front of 2,000 children is the best. The applause from the audience is the greatest reward for the work and effort behind each show.

We are a large team of young theater lovers, and many friendships start here.

When I grow up, I would like to become a stage director or an actress.

Fabian Drexl, 13 years

I joined Friedrichstadt-Palast in 2007. My mother is behind my interest in the stage. Early on, she started taking me to the theater and to different musicals. My grandmother always believed in me as well, and she told me that I was definitely going to make it to the stage. Thanks to her, I got to my first casting.

In the Young Ensemble here, I learned that everyone in a show is important. We are all here to support each other. And what is best is that you can do anything, singing, dancing and acting. At the end, it does not matter whether you play a big or a small role. It is the overall impression that captivates the audience. My mother is right when she says, “No one likes French fries without ketchup. So, why not be the ketchup from time to time.”

The applause at the end of the show is the greatest reward. I feel proud when the kids repeat the songs or when I pass by and they whisper, “Look, wasn’t he just in the show…”

I hope my time here will help me later on to realize my dream – to have my own wildlife documentary TV show.