Katharina Stephan

Katharina Stephan is a Professor for Theatre and Performance in Social Fields at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences since March 2023. She leads the Performative Künste in Sozialen Feldern program and previously held professorships at FH Bielefeld (2022–2023) and artistic teaching roles at institutions including Goethe University Frankfurt and ZHDK Zürich (2012–2022).

Research Focus: Her work bridges theatre/performance with social work through cross-target group concepts (intercultural, mixed-abled, interdisciplinary). Key projects include the urban research series NAHVERKEHR (2022–2025), DONKEY PATH (2010–present), and RADIO EUROPA UNDER CONSTRUCTION (2016–present), which explore participatory performances in public spaces.

Scientific Awards:

• Hörspiel des Jahres 2021 (WDR)
• Take Part Stipendium (2021)
• reload Stipendium (Bundeskulturstiftung, 2020)
• Beste Nachwuchskünstler*innen (Theater Heute, 2021)

Teaching: She instructs modules including artistic research, ethnographic approaches to social spaces, and interdisciplinary cultural education in the Bachelor of Social Work and Master Performative Arts in Social Fields programs.