Martin Zehetgruber

Martin Zehetgruber is a Professor of Stage Design at the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart since 2001. His career spans collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Staatstheater Stuttgart, Volksbühne Berlin, and international opera houses including Paris Opera Bastille and Teatro Real Madrid. He co-founded the production company 'MY FRIEND MARTIN' with Martin Kusej and has designed iconic structures like the Theater Tower for the Academy of Performing Arts Baden-Württemberg.

• Key Partnerships: Hans Kresnik, Stephan Kimmig, Andrea Breth, Martin Kusej
• Notable Collaborations: Conductors Daniel Barenboim, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Mariss Jansons

Zehetgruber's research focuses on the intersection of performance art and theater design, emphasizing architectural integration and spatial dynamics in stage environments. His work bridges technical planning with artistic innovation.

His publications address theater construction and spatial design, reflecting his expertise in merging practical and theoretical aspects of stage design. Notably, he contributed to the Stage Construction: Handbook and Planning Aid (2011).

Awards & Honors

• Nestroy Theatre Prize (5 wins, 6 nominations)
• Theater heute - Stage Designer of the Year (twice)
• Opera World - Stage Designer of the Year (2011)
• Rolf Mares Prize (2010)
• Multiple invitations to Berlin Theatertreffen (2001–2021)

Zehetgruber's extensive collaborations with directors and conductors, alongside his architectural contributions, solidify his influence in German-speaking theater and opera. His work continues to shape contemporary stage design practices.