Jochen Schölch

Jochen Schölch serves as Professor and Head of the Acting Program at Bavarian Theatre Academy August Everding since 2002/2003, following his 1998 appointment as lecturer. He concurrently founded and directs Munich's Metropoltheater, establishing it as Germany's premier independent theater through award-winning productions. His international teaching engagements span Shanghai, St. Petersburg, and Oslo, reflecting his global influence in theater education.

Professor Schölch's artistic practice centers on contemporary theater innovation, specializing in reimagined classics and modern works that bridge academic training with professional production. His signature approach integrates the Chubbuck acting technique (certified 2018) with visually striking stagings, exemplified by award-winning productions like 'Dogville', 'Woyzeck', and 'The Last Caravanserai' that explore psychological depth through minimalist aesthetics.

His accolades include the Bavarian Theater Prize (2002), Schwabing Art Prize (2007), and Shanghai International Arts Festival's Best Production award (2010). The Metropoltheater earned three consecutive 'Best Off-Theater' titles (2015-2017), with his 2016 production receiving Munich's prestigious tz Rose Bouquet.

As an educator, Schölch pioneered the academy-theater partnership model where students perform in professional co-productions that tour internationally. His program emphasizes cross-cultural exchange through collaborations with Shanghai's festival circuit and European theater hubs, providing students with exceptional industry exposure while maintaining rigorous academic standards in acting technique and directorial methodology.

The Metropoltheater functions as both artistic laboratory and training ground under Schölch's direction, having launched over 20 productions since 1998 including German premieres that redefined contemporary staging. Its consistent award recognition—including multiple Bavarian Theater Days honors—demonstrates the successful fusion of academic rigor and professional excellence that defines Schölch's leadership.