Michael Josef Schmieder

Professor Michael Josef Schmieder is a faculty member at the Institute of Music at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, where he serves as a Professor of Dance. With extensive professional experience as a choreographer, dance educator, yoga instructor, and social pedagogue, he brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his academic role.

Professor Schmieder's research and professional interests span contemporary dance, choreography, theater performance, and the intersection of dance with social pedagogy. His work demonstrates a unique integration of artistic expression with social engagement, particularly through projects with vulnerable populations including individuals with mental health challenges, youth aged 10-20, and unaccompanied minor refugees through the Future-Campus educational program at the youth meeting center in Oberschleißheim.

His choreographic output shows a consistent focus on theatrical expression across diverse settings, from major opera houses to experimental theater spaces. His work demonstrates versatility across musical theater, contemporary dance, opera, and experimental performance, with a particular strength in character development and narrative movement.

Professor Schmieder has maintained an active teaching presence alongside his professional choreographic work, notably at the Bavarian Theater Academy August Everding/Music and Theater University at the Prinzregententheater in Munich from 1998 through the summer semester of 2019.

His professional network extends across Germany, Austria, and France, with collaborations at major theaters including the Semperoper Dresden, Oper Frankfurt, Bavarian State Opera, and numerous state and city theaters throughout Europe.