Thomas Birkmeir leaves the youth theater at the end of the season 25/26

At the end of the 2025/26 season, Thomas Birkmeir will end his office as an artistic director of the Theater der Jugend Vienna at his own request. Since his appointment in 2001, Birkmeir has significantly shaped the largest children’s and youth theater in Europe and led to international reputation.

“With great gratitude I look back on 25 inspiring and successful years in which I had the privilege of leading the audience-related third largest spoken theater in Austria and at the same time the largest children’s and youth theater in Europe. This time was fulfilled by creative energy and unforgettable moments. Now I look forward to exploring new horizons and facing the exciting challenges that life has ready for me, “explains Thomas Birkmeir.

The board of the youth theater emphasizes that under Birkmeir’s management the Theater der Jugend experienced remarkable development. His innovative productions and pieces developed for the theater were staged over 125 times on other internationally important stages, which underlines the hurriedness of the house. Particularly noteworthy is his commitment to promoting young talent, which has produced numerous young, award-winning talents and helped the children’s and youth theater to relevant.

In addition to his work in Vienna, the teaching posts at the Max Reinhardt seminar and the MUK, Birkmeir was also able to celebrate as a director for adult pieces at renowned German state theaters, including at the Residenztheater Munich, the State Theater Dresden and on various other German-speaking state stages. He has received several awards for his services, including the Nestroy Prize for “10 years of innovative, contemporary children’s and youth theater” or the “German Musical Prize for the Best Director”. Birkmeir: “I leave the successor to excellent numbers, an artistically memorable profile – and above all: an extraordinary, great team that has contributed significantly to this joint success.”