Every character tells a story long before speaking their first word.

Hair & make-up are far more than design details. They are part of character design and shape the first impression of a role. They make origin, personality, and attitude visible and give a production its visual identity.

Since 2011, I have been developing and leading the make-up department at the Karl May Plays in Bad Segeberg as Head Make-up Artist – one of the largest and most successful open-air productions in Europe.

Each season, a new world is created here with distinctive characters and its own visual signature. Together with directors, costume designers, and producers, I develop individual character designs, wig concepts, hairstyles, and make-up concepts that support the artistic vision of the production and give each character their unmistakable identity.

For me, every character begins with a question: Who is this person? What story does their appearance tell before the first word is spoken? From this creative exploration, looks emerge that are not only aesthetically convincing but also make the personality and development of a role visible.

The creative design is only the beginning. Only when a design withstands the demands of an open-air production does an idea become a working solution. Temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, rain, wind, dust, sweat, quick changes, and more than seventy performances require concepts that are aesthetically convincing while meeting the highest technical requirements.

From initial research through concept development, fittings, and rehearsals to ongoing performances, I am responsible for the creative development of characters as well as the organization of the entire make-up department. I plan personnel and materials, develop workflows, and create the conditions for creative quality to be reliably delivered night after night.

What is particularly important to me is seeing each individual person. Make-up must never disguise – it must emphasize the personality of the performers while making the character visible. Only when both come together does the credibility emerge that moves the audience.

What appears effortless on stage is the result of creative design, careful preparation, and a team that can rely on one another. This connection between design, organization, and trust defines my work.

Every successful performance begins long before the audience takes their seats. It begins with a clear vision, a reliable structure, and a team that shares responsibility.

Because exceptional productions emerge where creative design, excellent organization, and trusting collaboration become a shared vision.