Start: Theater course for ages 12 and up | "The Extremely Strong Willibald"

HEATER COURSE for ages 12 and up The YOUTH THEATER CLUB presents "The Extremely Strong Willibald" based on the novel by Willi Fährmann | in a theatrical adaptation by Lydia Nassall

ABOUT THE PLAY
In a large, gray house lives a lively group of mice. At night, when the lights are turned off and the human giants are asleep, the mice come out of their holes. They frolic around, enjoy various delicacies, and live as a carefree pack. Until one day, the extremely strong Willibald uses the fear of the cat to elevate himself as a supposed protector and boss. Gradually, a web of abuse of power, control, and manipulation is woven, which keeps the pack trapped. Lillimaus, who is banished to the library as a different kind of albino mouse, learns to read in solitude and dares the dangerous attempt to open the eyes of the pack with stories. But much more must happen before the mice free themselves from their fear and the power-hungry ruler.

ABOUT THE COURSE
The common goal we are working towards is to bring a wonderful play to the stage, not only at Emailwerk but also, if possible, at another theater. To achieve the most professional result possible, we will also take a professional approach. This means that the structure of the course will be less like a group course and more like real theater rehearsals. The focus will be more on the development of scenes than on general acting lessons. Attendance will be based on the rehearsal schedule that is agreed upon. Not everyone will be involved equally, but I will strive for a fair distribution as always. Additionally, it will also be possible to participate if, for example, you can only arrive a little later due to your schedule.

REQUIREMENTS
• Attendance at all performance dates
• Significant availability during the specified course times (please inform us of any known conflicts at the time of registration, as well as other times that may overlap with the course schedule)
• Reliable "cooperation" (learning lines, responsible and orderly handling of spaces, stage, props, naturally taking care of setup and cleanup...)
• Supportive parents (effective communication with the leadership, passing on information to the children, printing texts, helping the child with learning if necessary, willingness to assist with costumes, possibly set design, and sharing the costs as a group)
• Consent for photo and video recordings for promotional purposes (specific requests regarding this should be clarified in advance)

SET DESIGN & COSTUMES & PROPS
An element not to be underestimated for a successful theater production is the visual aspect, namely set design, costumes, and props (and of course lighting design and makeup). This also means a certain amount of work, which I, as the director, would like to delegate for the most part starting this year.
Who will take on this work can only be decided at the start of the course, whether it will be a highly motivated and talented team of parents and children or perhaps a professional and affordable set designer or a student in this field will become clear. In any case, I will be looking for this and welcome any ideas regarding it.
We will design the costumes together and complete them partly in the course and partly as homework.
At this point, the costs for this area are still not assessable, but I would estimate a generous range between EUR 30.00-100.00 per child, depending on how we implement it. I am also still checking whether there might be financial support from the state that can cover this.

COURSE LEADERSHIP
Lydia Nassall, who has been leading the theater courses at Emailwerk for many years, will be supported this year for the first time by Claudia Papst. She got to know the youth club during the production of "The Wave," in which she played the role of the teacher.
Together, they are excited to create another great production with the youth.

REGISTRATION
The often most exciting question of who plays which role will also be clarified in advance this time, just like in professional theater.
For most roles, it doesn't matter whether they are played by a boy or a girl, so you are welcome to have a desired role that "actually" belongs to a different gender. If you fit well into this role, we will adapt it. Everyone who wants to participate should please contact me by August 1, 2025 – Lydia Nassall (lydianassall(at)gmail.com). Please let me know your 3 desired roles and whether you would prefer to be in pack part 1 or 2.
If I don't know you yet, please send me a short video introducing yourself and telling me what your 3 desired roles are. Once the casting is clarified in advance, you will receive an email with all necessary information.
You can find the possible roles under "Artists."

WORKSHOP EVERY TUESDAY
3:45 PM – 5:30 PM DATES
Workshop: 09/23/25 | 09/30/25 | 10/07/25 | 10/14/25 | 10/21/25 | 11/04/25 | 11/11/25 | 11/18/25 | 11/25/25 | 12/02/25 | 12/09/25 | 12/16/25 | 01/13/26 | 01/20/26 | 01/27/26 | 02/03/26 | 02/17/26 | 02/24/26 | 03/03/26 | 03/10/26 | 03/17/26 | 03/24/26 | 04/07/26 | 04/14/26 | 04/21/26 Set Design: Saturday, 11/29/25 & Sunday, 11/30/25*
Intensive Days: Saturday, 01/17/26 & Sunday, 01/18/26 | Saturday, 02/28/26 & Sunday, 03/01/26 | Saturday, 03/21/26 or Sunday, 03/22/26*
Performances: Friday, 04/24/2026 | 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM *Times to be announced

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Everyone who wants to participate should please contact me by August 1, 2025 – Lydia Nassall (lydianassall(at)gmail.com). Please let me know your 3 desired roles and whether you would prefer to be in pack part 1 or 2.
If I don't know you yet, please send me a short video introducing yourself and telling me what your 3 desired roles are. Once the casting is clarified in advance, you will receive an email with all necessary information.

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WORKSHOP FEE
€ 390.00 Two siblings in the workshop? Sure, there's a discount!
Just send us an email at info(at)emailwerk.at – we’ll sort it out for you.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Saturday, 08/01/2025 | 11:59 PM

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations are free up to 14 days before the workshop starts; thereafter, we reserve the workshop fee as a cancellation fee. In case of cancellation of the workshop, please send an email to: storno(at)emailwerk.at More information at www.emailwerk.at