Cloakroom: Coats, umbrellas, backpacks, and large bags must be checked in the cloakroom and retrieved upon exit. Items and valuables are not insured. Food & Drinks: Outside food is prohibited. Refreshments may only be consumed at the theater buffet and are not allowed in the auditorium. Electronic Devices: Phones and electronic devices must be silenced or set to airplane mode and cannot be used during the performance. Late Arrivals: Latecomers will only be admitted during intermission. Unauthorized entry after showtime may lead to ejection or a venue ban. Smoking: Smoking, e-cigarettes, and open flames are strictly forbidden everywhere inside the theater.

Subway: Line U4, Schönbrunn station – follow the directions to the palace – when you stand in front of the palace, the theater is in the 2nd wing on the left.

Almtaler Hirtenspiel

Synopsis/Details

For 26 years, the Almtal Shepherd Ensemble from Scharnstein in Upper Austria has been creating moments of quiet reflection and anticipation with its nativity play. This humorous, family-friendly production, performed in the local dialect, will be presented at the Schönbrunn Palace Marionette Theatre, showcasing the unique appeal of puppet theater. Scenes from the Schönbrunn Advent play, featuring music by Christian Brandauer, complement the story of the search for the Messiah. The music, woven into the performance and played on traditional shepherd instruments, turns the show into a truly special auditory experience. Afterward, the blessing of the Christ Child is bestowed upon the Advent bread distributed to the guests.

Tradition for 250 years
- The Marionette Theatre Palace Schonbrunn performs world-famous operas, musicals and fairy tales according to an old tradition. The theatre is located at Palace Schönbrunn. All puppets and stage elements are handmade. The playing technique is officially an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rigorous Training
- In order to play a puppet it needs a training of approx. 1-2 years. After that it takes years for perfection and really bring the puppet to life. The whole ensemble of the Marionettentheater Schloss Schönbrunn was trained by Christine Hierzer-Riedler and Werner Hierzer and plays over 300 performances every year.
House rules
- Cloakroom: Coats, umbrellas, backpacks, and large bags must be checked in the cloakroom and retrieved upon exit. Items and valuables are not insured.
- Food & Drinks: Outside food is prohibited. Refreshments may only be consumed at the theater buffet and are not allowed in the auditorium.
- Electronic Devices: Phones and electronic devices must be silenced or set to airplane mode and cannot be used during the performance.
- Late Arrivals: Latecomers will only be admitted during intermission. Unauthorized entry after showtime may lead to ejection or a venue ban.
- Smoking: Smoking, e-cigarettes, and open flames are strictly forbidden everywhere inside the theater.
Directions
- Subway: Line U4, Schönbrunn station – follow the directions to the palace – when you stand in front of the palace, the theater is in the 2nd wing on the left.

Venue

Marionettentheater Schloss Schönbrunn

Tradition for 250 years

The Marionette Theatre Palace Schonbrunn performs world-famous operas, musicals and fairy tales according to an old tradition. The theatre is located at Palace Schönbrunn. All puppets and stage elements are handmade. The playing technique is officially an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The two founders and artistic directors Christine Hierzer-Riedler and Werner Hierzer look back on over 40 years of international experience in the art of puppet playing.
The marionettes, the costumes and the set designs are produced in cooperation with prominent directors, stage and costume designers in the in-house workshops.

Two well-trained teams make it possible to perform in the theatre in Schönbrunn and at the same time on international tours.

We have been to (selection):

Athens, Brussels, Florence, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Mexico City, Montreal, New York, Paris, Beijing, Rome, Seoul, Shanghai, Stratford and many more.

In order to play a puppet it needs a training of approx. 1-2 years. After that it takes years for perfection and really bring the puppet to life. The whole ensemble of the Marionettentheater Schloss Schönbrunn was trained by Christine Hierzer-Riedler and Werner Hierzer and plays over 300 performances every year.

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Almtaler Hirtenspiel

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