Frankfurter Autoren Theater

Frankfurter Autoren Theater: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Frankfurt

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Frankfurt’s Hausen district, the Frankfurter Autoren Theater (FAT) stands as a beacon of contemporary drama and local literary talent. Since its founding in 2007 by Wolfgang Spielvogel, FAT has championed playwrights with ties to Frankfurt, presenting new works and fostering vibrant community engagement. Housed within the Brotfabrik—a repurposed industrial bakery that now serves as a dynamic arts hub—the theater offers an intimate setting where innovative storytelling and cultural dialogue thrive (Frankfurter Autoren Theater official website, Wikipedia: Frankfurter Autoren Theater, frankfurt.de).

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide covers all you need to know about the Frankfurter Autoren Theater—from its history and cultural role to practical details like visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions.

Introduction
Historical Overview and Cultural Significance
Programming and Community Engagement
Visiting the Frankfurter Autoren Theater: Practical Guide
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Historical Overview and Cultural Significance

Founding Vision

The Frankfurter Autoren Theater was established with a singular mission: to provide a platform for plays written by playwrights who live or have lived in Frankfurt. Wolfgang Spielvogel, its founder, envisioned FAT as a “fundgrube” (treasure trove) of texts reflecting the city’s multicultural and intellectual landscape (frankfurt.de). Unlike traditional theaters, FAT prioritizes new, experimental works and direct author involvement, positioning itself as an incubator for innovative theatrical forms.

Cultural Significance

As a cornerstone of Frankfurt’s cultural scene, the theater exclusively features works by local authors, facilitating a direct dialogue between the city’s playwrights and audiences. Its programming balances reinterpretations of classics with world premieres, mirroring Frankfurt’s dynamic spirit and commitment to both heritage and innovation (Kultur Frankfurt, explorecity.life).

Leadership and Community Engagement

Since 2014, artistic directors Adrian Scherschel and Michaela Conrad have steered FAT’s vision, emphasizing inclusivity, social themes, and author involvement. The theater’s annual Frankfurter Autoren Markt playwriting competition is a flagship event, championing emerging writers and innovative forms. Furthermore, the tradition of sharing bread and wine with audiences after performances fosters genuine artist-audience dialogue and community spirit (medium.com).

Programming and Community Engagement

FAT’s season runs from September to June, typically featuring 8–12 mainstage productions. The repertoire spans world premieres, thematic series, multilingual guest performances, and collaborations with international ensembles. Notable events include the Frankfurter Autoren Markt, the “Stimmen der Gegenwart” series, and special festivals held in conjunction with citywide celebrations like the Museumsuferfest and the Frankfurt Book Fair (Wikipedia: Frankfurter Autoren Theater).

Workshops, post-show discussions, and educational outreach further strengthen FAT’s role as a hub for creative dialogue and social integration. Many productions address contemporary themes—migration, identity, and technology—reflecting Frankfurt’s cosmopolitan character.

Visiting the Frankfurter Autoren Theater: Practical Guide

Location and Accessibility

Address: Bachmannstraße 2-4, 60488 Frankfurt am Main (Brotfabrik Cultural Center) (Brotfabrik Contact)
Public Transport: Easily accessible via U-Bahn (U6, Hausen stop), multiple bus lines, and connecting tram routes (Timeout Frankfurt, Fodor’s Frankfurt Public Transport)
Parking: Limited street parking and nearby paid garages; public transport is recommended.
Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and trained staff. Contact the theater for specific accommodations (Frankfurt.de – Barrier-free).

Visiting Hours

Box Office: Open Tuesday to Friday, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, and one hour before performances.
Performance Times: Most shows begin between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Matinees and special event times vary; check the official program for details.

Ticket Information

Prices: Generally €10–€20, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Special events may vary in price.
Reservations: Purchase tickets online (FAT official website), by phone, or at the box office. Advance booking is advised for premieres and festivals.
Group Bookings and Discounts: Group rates and pay-what-you-can options are available for select performances.

Facilities and Amenities

Café and Bar: Enjoy local wines, beer, and snacks before or after performances in the Brotfabrik’s communal spaces.
Restrooms: Accessible and well-maintained, located within the venue.
Non-smoking: The theater is strictly non-smoking.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Annual Autoren Markt: A highlight for playwrights and theatergoers.
Guided Tours: Offered periodically—check the website for schedules.
Virtual Tours: Online resources and multimedia content are available for remote visitors.

Getting There

By Bicycle: Dedicated bike lanes and secure racks are available.
By Car: Limited parking; public transport is preferred.
Frankfurt Card: Consider purchasing for unlimited public transport and attraction discounts (Timeout Frankfurt).

Visitor Tips

Language: Most performances are in German. Check for surtitles or special multilingual events.
Dress Code: Casual or smart-casual attire is appropriate.
Arrival: Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early.
Photography: Not permitted during performances.
Inclusivity: FAT is committed to diversity and accessibility.

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights

While visiting the Frankfurter Autoren Theater, explore neighboring sites such as:

Römerberg: Frankfurt’s historic medieval square.
Palmengarten: Expansive botanical gardens.
Städel Museum: Renowned art collection on the Museum Embankment.
Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom): Landmark Gothic cathedral.
Other Brotfabrik Venues: Galleries, music spaces, and cultural cafés.

These attractions deepen your understanding of Frankfurt’s cultural and historical richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Frankfurter Autoren Theater visiting hours?
A: Performances generally start between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday. The box office opens from 2:00 PM–6:00 PM and one hour before shows. Check the official schedule for updates.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available online, by phone, or at the box office. Early booking is recommended for popular events.

Q: Is the theater accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the venue is fully accessible. Contact the theater for specific needs.

Q: Are performances suitable for non-German speakers?
A: Most shows are in German, but occasional multilingual events and surtitled performances are offered.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Guided and virtual tours are periodically available. Check the website for details.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Street parking is limited; nearby paid garages are available. Using public transport is encouraged.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Frankfurter Autoren Theater is a vibrant pillar of Frankfurt’s arts scene, fostering innovative storytelling, community dialogue, and cultural inclusivity. With accessible facilities, affordable ticketing, and a diverse program, FAT welcomes all audiences to experience the best of local theater. Enhance your visit by exploring nearby attractions and participating in post-show discussions—a hallmark of the theater’s welcoming spirit.

For current schedules, ticketing, and events, visit the official FAT website. Stay updated on the latest news and exclusive offers by downloading the Audiala app and following FAT on social media.