About Us

"For a long time, I have been a fan of young audiences because they are authentic, direct, and lively. And because they believe that the world can be shaped!" Tanja Stauffer, born in 1974 in Basel, currently lives and works in Zurich as a cultural mediator, theater, and experiential educator. After her training as a primary school teacher, she studied theater education at ZHdK, worked as a freelance theater educator, and for many years at the Schule+Kultur department. At Schule Waidhalde, she works as an experiential educator with children of all age groups. At the Blickfelder Festival, she serves as co-director alongside the program group, overseeing the international dance and theater program.

"I am a team player, and I love working with different people and developing projects. I find it exciting to showcase participatory projects with school classes and professional theater and dance productions on an equal footing." Andrea Kohler has been working in various cultural institutions and projects for many years. She gained her professional foundation through an initial pedagogical training and studied cultural management at ZHAW. She was part of the teams at Circolino Pipistrello and Fahrwerk Ö!. At the Blickfelder Festival, Andrea is responsible for finances and various productions, among other duties."

"I particularly enjoy it when children and teenagers enthusiastically and convincingly explain the world to me at the festival. Then, for a moment, I think that we might still be able to save the world." Marcel Hörler is a curator and cultural mediator. He studied Social Work with a focus on Sociocultural at the universities of Lucerne and The Hague, as well as Art Education and Curatorial Studies at the Zurich University of the Arts. He works in various collectives (Dogo Residenz, Baby Angel, HOX) and has been realizing art and cultural projects since 2015. As co-director at the Blickfelder Festival, Marcel is responsible for communication and public relations, among other tasks.

"I am especially looking forward to the festival atmosphere and the exchange with the audience and the artists. These are inspiring, lively, and exciting days." Theresa Künz is a theater maker. She studied German studies at the University of Vienna and theater education at ZHdK. Based in Zurich, she works in various constellations and collectives as a theater educator, performer, and project manager. The focus of her artistic work lies in collaboration and co-creation between professional artists and children. At Blickfelder, she works in the operations office and collaborates with the program group to shape the international dance and theater program.

"I wish for more space for young people, for shared utopias, and joyful failure – for example, at the Blickfelder Festival." Laura Leupi, born in 1996 in Zurich, works as a cultural journalist and for the theater, including Grätsche Junges Theater Festival and the Zürcher Theaterspektakel. Laura writes prose and performance texts, also in various collectives. This results in expansive collections of texts, performative interventions, or participatory DIY actions. Laura was an artist in residence at the Dogo Residenz für Neue Kunst and won the 3sat Prize at the 2023 Ingeborg Bachmann Competition. Laura is an alumna of the Next Generation Network of ASSITEJ International."

"The Blickfelder Festival is close to my heart because it interprets the concept of theater not narrowly, but expansively and participatively." Andi Peter was born in Zurich in 1975. After completing an apprenticeship as a civil engineering draftsman and obtaining his high school diploma, he completed his jazz singer training at ZHdK in 2005. He began working in the theater during his education. As a singer and multi-instrumentalist, he takes on various roles depending on the production: as a musician on stage, performer, composer, arranger, sound designer, or vocal coach. Since 2020, he has been working as a lecturer in Theater Education at ZHdK, teaching the module "Music on Stage."

"For me, Blickfelder means creating spaces for everyone." Danielle Isler is a social scientist, artist, curator, and musician. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Bayreuth on the topic of "Black Subjectivities and Whitened Spaces in Cape Town" and is actively involved in anti-racist education. Danielle Isler participates in various national and international research and art projects and also takes the stage as an actress and performer with her own texts.

"As a member of the board, I am committed to the Blickfelder Festival to create cultural spaces where young people, with their diverse and different perspectives, can participate and shape." Manuela Runge is a theater and dance artist and has been leading the Artistic Mediation at the Schauspielhaus Zürich since 2020. Since completing her studies in theater education (2007) and dance education (2015), she has been working in the independent scene and with various cultural institutions (Tanzhaus Zürich, Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Haus Konstruktiv, ETH Zürich). With her association TANZflug, she initiates inclusive dance projects and leads a mixed-abled DanceAbility group.

"I am involved in the Blickfelder Festival because it brings theater right into the city of Zurich." Studied literature and linguistics with a focus on theater theory at the University of Zurich. Worked as a dramaturg at city theaters and in the independent scene. Deepened research interests at the Institute for the Performing Arts & Film. Teaching in the theater department and various leadership roles at ZHdK. Member of the Theater Commission of the City of Zurich. Artistic concerns and projects are guided by an interest in site-specific works, play developments, and formats that expand or rethink the classical concept of theater as a space for political action."