For a whole seven years, the Theater Festival of the Free Scene has been under the direction of Haiko Pfost - starting from the 2025 edition, Franziska Werner will take over. The long-standing Artistic Director of Sophiensaele Berlin has also worked as a freelance dramaturge, curator, and production manager as well as for festivals and production venues throughout Germany. In addition to various jury activities, she is active in different committees, such as the Arts Council Berlin, the Advisory Board Theater/Dance of the Goethe-Institut, for the program Women in Culture and Media of the German Cultural Council, or the Performing Arts Services program of Laft Berlin e. V.
The native Berliner commented on her new role: "The renowned festival is supported by its anchoring in the strong free scene of NRW and simultaneously serves as a seismograph of the diverse works of artists in the Free Scene across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. I am curious about the impulses, themes, and perspectives for the coming years. In addition to the traditional selection of remarkable productions, emphasis will be placed on various guest regions within the framework of stronger collaborations."
