Jazz & the city

In autumn, Jazz & the City, an exciting jazz series, has been established in Salzburg's old town, and all events are free for all visitors. Whether underground jazz in clubs and bars or big jazz bands on Salzburg's squares: During Jazz & the City, the old town comes alive

Theater & acting in Salzburg

She is an expert on the Salzburg theater and acting scene like no other: Veronika Zangl is one of the most attentive observers of the Salzburg theater scene with her blog www.whatisawfromthecheapseats.com. For the Wendl Hotels, she reveals her insider tips for theater in Salzburg.

Veronika, you run the blog What I saw from the cheap seats on a voluntary and non-profit basis, which has made a name for itself around theater in Salzburg. How did that come about and why do you do it?
I wasn't happy with what I was reading in the newspapers. When it comes to cultural reviews, you often get the sense that people are writing here who either don't know anything about it or aren't even interested in it. The result is always a clueless something. So I decided that this could work better and started writing down my own thoughts on the individual productions. Although I'm in a niche (theater, Salzburg), the first theaters soon became aware of me. Since then, I've been invited to performances so that I can report specifically. Of course, that makes me very happy and I can really let my hair down because there are no character limits or other restrictions.

Because the name of your blog implies it: is Salzburg culture also available for free or at a mini-price or only at festival level?
At the beginning I actually always sat in the cheapest seats - which of course are available. You just have to look closely. Often it is enough to simply study the seating plan and pay attention to the seats with obstructed views. Then you may have a small restriction, but you usually still have an excellent view. If that is too much effort for you, you can also visit the cheaper OFF scene, such as the OFF Theater in Eichstrasse or the little theater. The repertoire there is refreshingly cheeky and innovative. Another tip is the theater groups, which consist of professional, freelance actors and stage their own plays. You often meet them at ARGEkultur, but also at the small theater, because they don't have their own theaters. Even if you don't want to believe it, even the festival can offer affordable tickets. You can either choose a seat classified as visually impaired or you can get standing tickets. At Jedermann, there is always the option of standing room on the day when the sun is shining. The only drawback is that you have to queue for it - even for a few hours. Another tip: attend the dress rehearsal, which should also be cheaper. The Salzburg street theater was founded as a free counterpart to the festival. Since the 1970s, a horse-drawn cart has been travelling through the streets between July and August, stopping at various locations to perform a comedy. There is no admission charge, but donations are requested and the cart is currently only pulled by horses in easily accessible locations.

Which theatre experience can you skip in Salzburg and which should you definitely not miss?
I don't think any theatre deserves to be missed. Everything has its place. What I don't like might appeal to the next person and vice versa. Thanks to my work as an assistant at various theatres, I know how much work goes into a production and I think each one deserves to be seen. Even though I have of course already been able to experience productions where I made a mental note - thank you, never again. In addition to the street theatre in summer, the winter festival from November onwards is also well worth seeing. A small circus town is specially set up in the Volksgarten for this and international companies are invited to celebrate the Nouveau Cirque - a very unique experience. Often funny, sometimes fairytale-like, but always without animals, with acrobatics and a must-see during Advent.

Are you allowed to have a favorite theater or stage in your role? And if so, then of course we want to know.
I actually feel very connected to the Salzburg Schauspielhaus. That's not just because I did my first assistant director job there, but I also really like the way they stage plays there.

The best theater in Salzburg for people who like things experimental?
Definitely the Toihaus or the SEAD. Both very performative houses, the latter also offers dance courses and teaches students from all over the world.

The best theater in Salzburg for people who like things traditional?
For visitors who like things traditional, I recommend the Salzburg State Theater. It is a three-part theater that offers productions from the areas of drama, dance and music and avoids major experiments. Many classics are also performed there, such as Goethe's Faust, which has been around for ages, or the plays of Ferdinand von Schirach. Every year there is also a major musical production and the children's plays are always an experience too.

In which theater in Salzburg do people laugh the most?
In the small theater in Schallmoos and in the OFF-Theater. The former is aimed more at an older clientele in terms of humor, whereas the OFF is young and cheeky.

Going to the theater in Salzburg with small children - which theater do you recommend and which is not for children?
Definitely the Toihaus for the very youngest. Children from 0 - 6 are in good hands there. The plays never last longer than 30 minutes and if a child fidgets around or gets louder, that's not a problem. In an emergency, the auditorium can always be left without getting dirty looks from the people sitting next to them. The Salzburg Schauspielhaus also has plays for the very young in its repertoire and is known for its professional children's and youth plays, which are performed by the theater's own students.

Is there a play that is only as beautiful in Salzburg as anywhere else? The most obvious answer is the Everyman, also because it is so etched in the cultural memory. But it is probably not only due to the hype that is created every year about the life and death of the rich man, but also to the unique ambience: Against the backdrop of the Salzburg Cathedral and then the Everyman calls that echo over the city when death wants to bring the sinner home.

Sold-out performance - what are your pro tips for still getting a ticket? Box office. Last minute tickets may be returned or visitors who only had a reservation may not show up. Then the tickets automatically go on general sale.

Your tips for a meal before the theater and a drink after? I wouldn't eat too far from the theater, otherwise I'd be afraid of being late. Some theaters also have an integrated restaurant in the building, like the small theater with the Urban Keller attached or the Schauspielhaus. The OFF Theater also has a cozy bar that is run by the team itself.

Which actor from Salzburg impressed you the most? I remember that very clearly. Sebastian Fischer, a young actor who played the young museum guard in a chamber piece by Neil LaBute ("The Measure of Things") at the Salzburg State Theater, who involuntarily became the test subject in his girlfriend's doctoral thesis. It was so intense that I couldn't sleep for half the night afterwards because my head was racing like crazy.

Dress code at the Salzburg Theater: How smart do I have to be? Everything is possible, nothing is necessary, and I mean that (almost) literally. Because you no longer have to come to the theater in fine clothes or an elegant evening dress. Smart jeans and a shirt, a nice dress or just your favorite blouse with a skirt and sneakers are enough. What you should avoid: old sneakers, baggy pants and last week's T-shirt is also better left at home.

Fotocredit: © Henry Schulz, Altstadtverband Salzburg