BACKSTAGE and off camera...
My theatrical career got off to a rather rocky start. At five, I was passed over for the role of Mary in the school Nativity play. Fortunately, I brought the house down singing the Calypso instead.
By fifteen, I was directing my first production. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that being behind the scenes was every bit as exciting as being on stage. Directing, writing, acting — I wanted to explore it all.
And, as it turned out, I do.
Today, I'm an international director, producer and actor based in Vienna, working in both English and German. As Artistic Director of vienna theatre project, I've spent over two decades bringing together artists, audiences and stories that might otherwise never have met.
Before that, during (and maybe even after): I've worked in the corporate world, managed international
teams, organised festivals and events, and supported charitable projects. Every experience has shaped the
way I work, the people I connect with and the stories I want to tell.
But theatre has always been my great passion. Directing and acting - my grand affair.
It's challenging, unpredictable, occasionally chaotic — and oh, so thrilling. The excitement of taking someone's words and turning them into a living, breathing piece of theatre. That extraordinary moment in rehearsals when something suddenly clicks. The adrenaline, the discoveries, the laughter. And above all, the privilege of working with so many extraordinary writers, actors, directors, musicians, crew and creative minds along the way.
In 2009, I discovered the joy of directing musicals, and in 2016, opera. Two more passions to add to my love affair with the stage. Film has opened another door, with its own possibilities, mysteries and secrets still waiting to be explored.
I like theatre that makes you laugh when you least expect it, catches you off guard, challenges what you think you know and occasionally breaks your heart.
Preferably all in one evening.
I've learnt that it's not simply the applause that feeds me. It's everything that happens before the bows. The imagination, the collaboration, the risks, the moments when something unexpected becomes possible.
That's what gets me up mornings.
And I still think being passed over for Mary was a mistake.
But then again... the journey since has taken my breath away, felt groundbreaking at times, and filled me with such deep gratitude and a huge admiration for human resilience.
Maybe I'll play Mary yet. From the girl she was to the woman she became…
JOANNA
© Andrea Peller