Werner Wölbern

Werner Wölbern initially studied theater studies before training as an actor at the Folkwang University in Essen from 1984 to 1988. This was followed by engagements at theaters in Heilbronn, Esslingen, Cologne and Düsseldorf before Wölbern moved to the Thalia Theater in Hamburg in 1995. From 1999 to 2004, he was a permanent member of the ensemble at Vienna's Burgtheater. His production of Fassbinder's “Katzelmacher” at Schauspiel Essen was awarded the ensemble prize at the Schauspielschultreffen 2006. Werner Wölbern has been teaching roles and scenes at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Hamburg since 2002. Since the 2007/2008 winter semester, Werner Wölbern has been Professor of Role Playing and Scenic Teaching at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. He was nominated for the Nestroy Theater Prize in 2000 and 2002 for his portrayal of Leon in “Weh dem der lügt” by Franz Grillparzer at the Burgtheater Vienna (director: Martin Kušej) and of Doctor Franz Mauer in “Das weite Land” at the Salzburg Festival (director: Andrea Breth). At the Burgtheater, he most recently played in Martin Kušej's production of “Der Weibsteufel” by Karl Schönherr, for which he was awarded the 3Sat Prize this year together with Birgit Minichmayr and Nicholas Ofczarek. He also appeared as village magistrate Adam in Kleist's “Der zerbrochene Krug” at Schauspiel Hannover (in co-production with the Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen). Wölbern can also be seen in film and television, including in “Tatort” and “Babylon Berlin”. In the 2024/25 season, Wölbern will make a guest appearance at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein as Chief Judge Tschu-Tschu in Alexander Zemlinsky's “The Chalk Circle” (director: David Bösch).