‘If you’re going to do it, do it properly!’ – Filzmoos Theatre Group

A hint of make-up hangs in the air, spotlights dazzle, voices echo through the Mützenhalle. Where balls usually bounce, a theatre space is created in October. ‘From the gym to the stage, that was one of our biggest challenges,’ says Chairman Franz-Joseph Salchegger. Today, the Filzmoos Theatre Group has been an eagerly anticipated annual event for a year now, but the journey began with a completely spontaneous idea.

In an interview with Chairman Franz-Joseph Salchegger and club member Georg Jäger, I learn about the story behind the new theatre group, the process of putting on a play, and the future prospects of the group.

It was really just a small request: Franz-Joseph was asked to put on a Christmas play at his company. His mother, who had theatre experience herself, wrote the script. This gave rise to the idea: ‘It would be cool to have a theatre group in Filzmoos again.’ This ‘Why not?’ became reality.

Invitation letters were sent out, and old and new theatre enthusiasts arrived. Everyone found their role in the soon-to-be association. Even Chairman Franz-Joseph, who was the first and only one to sign up as group leader. In April, the Filzmoos Theatre Group was officially declared an association.

Workshops quickly followed, ranging from voice training to improvisational theatre. Veronika Pernthaler-Maeke, managing director of the Salzburg Amateur Theatre Association, played a key role. Although she does not normally supervise entirely new groups from scratch, she recognised the commitment and passion and decided to take on the role of director from the outset.

When asked about the biggest challenges, Franz-Joseph and Georg immediately mention two points: money and location. Sponsors and personal funds helped, and ultimately the decision was made to use the Mützenhalle. Converting the gymnasium into a theatre stage involved a lot of work. ‘And then you come from work, go down the steps and dive into the black hall. What a weight off our minds - we were so relieved.’ The molton stage curtain. Chairman Franz-Joseph tells me today with a smile about what was once a huge concern for him.

‘If you're going to do it, do it properly!’ says Franz-Joseph, and this motto runs through the entire process. Director Veronika decides which play will be performed, adapts it to the group and ensures that even small roles are given weight.

One example of this is the paramedic in the last piece, who only has seven lines, but is a real highlight thanks to slow motion, blue lights, and rock music. The small supporting role does not seem out of place but is integrated into the whole. This shows that every role counts.

The reading rehearsal begins in June. Everyone finds out which play will be performed and reads their role for the first time. Then it's time to ‘memorise until your head spins.’ Today, audio recordings are used, an idea from Georg that now makes learning easier for everyone.

During the peak period, rehearsals take place up to four times a week. At the same time, the stage set is created according to the principle of ‘who has what?’. Whereas many others outsource the technical aspects or the construction of the stage set, at the Filzmoos Theatre everything is produced in-house by a team of 25. In September,rehearsals become more intensive, followed by the premiere in mid-October.

To relieve nervousness, Veronika introduces a three-step ritual. First, put down roots, then use sounds and movements to relax, and finally, the extras stroll through the room to portray the previously selected lines of text in different emotions on command. Afterwards, the difference is like night and day; the actors are immersed in their roles.

There is another ritual before performances. One member once sang ‘Thank you for the flowers,’ and soon the whole group joined in. ‘No one knew why, but suddenly the whole group started singing. Since then, we've always sung it before performances. And now the flower is even part of our logo,’ the two share.

‘We know each other, but we only know each other superficially. And here (in the workshops) we really got to know each other,’ says Franz-Joseph. A wide variety of people have come together here and have grown close through rehearsals over the last year.

What makes the association special? ‘Warmth and openness,’ say Franz-Joseph and Georg. Everyone has a say, and creativity runs free. One example of this is the spontaneous idea for a podcast, which was professionally recorded just one week later.

Theatre means sacrificing time and energy. But it gives just as much back. ‘Everyone comes from a normal, private environment. Then you stand on stage, pursue your passion and you’re somebody else,’ reveals Georg.

Especially as an amateur actor, the first performance can be intimidating. "You're totally unsure when you start something like this, “How will I come across?”, “How will I make it work?”, or “How might the audience react?”, Georg shares, but the positive feedback allays any fears. Scenes remain in people's memories and actors are recognised on the street.

One might think that the premiere is an actor's greatest success, but for Franz-Joseph and Georg it was the audience's response. One audience member was so moved by the play that he is now part of the group himself. ‘That's the best praise a theatre group can get, not just hearing that it was cool, but “I want to do that too”,’ says Georg.

Another comment that filled the actors with joy was: ‘It's so nice to forget about private life for two hours.’ That is precisely the goal: to transport people away from their everyday lives.

The group is also active off stage, for example, at the Christmas market with their food truck and a small Christmas play. Projects such as a reading night are under discussion for the future, and further podcast episodes are planned.

The theatre group is currently working on the play ‘Die drei Eisbären’ (The Three Polar Bears), which will premiere on the 17th of October 2025 at the Mützenhalle Filzmoos. ‘Warm, funny and sentimental, there's something for everyone,’ promises Franz-Joseph.

One thing is certain: there is a flame burning on this stage that will not be extinguished anytime soon.

photo credits: 2 Grade