Burghoftheater Kapellendorf

Open-Air Theatre in the Courtyard of a Medieval Water Castle

The Burghoftheater Kapellendorf is a summer theatre of a special kind: performances take place outdoors in the courtyard of Kapellendorf Water Castle — one of Thuringia's best-preserved lowland castles, with origins dating back to the 12th century. From Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, August 29, 2026, the Kurz- und Kleinkunstbühne (short and performance art stage) performs its summer season every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:30 PM.

Six Weeks of Open-Air with Cabaret and Performance Art

The programme of the summer season focuses on:

• Cabaret — political and social commentary with artists from Thuringia and beyond
• Comedy — stand-up, sketch comedy, light entertainment
• Performance Art — chanson, wordplay, musical comedy
• Local Productions — occasional local musicals and regionally rooted performances

The festival follows a fixed rhythm: three performance evenings per week, each at 8:30 PM, spread over six weeks. This creates a constant summer theatre offering in a holiday region between Weimar and Jena.

Kapellendorf Water Castle — Historic Setting

The Kapellendorf Water Castle is one of Thuringia's most important water castles. The castle complex from the 12th/13th century is surrounded by a double moat and today houses a museum on regional castle history. The central courtyard — with sandstone walls, towers, and historical architectural elements — forms the natural stage for the Burghoftheater. The acoustics of the courtyard and the ambiance make every performance a focused experience: no street noise, intimate proximity to the artists, a historic setting that enhances every performance.

Kapellendorf — Between Weimar and Jena

The small municipality of Kapellendorf (around 800 inhabitants) in the district of Weimarer Land is located between the cultural cities of Weimar (12 km) and Jena (15 km). Its location makes the Burghoftheater an attractive programme item for visitors from both cities — especially for guests staying in the region for several days and seeking culture outside the major venues.

Kurz- und Kleinkunstbühne as the Presenter

The Kurz- und Kleinkunstbühne is an established Thuringian performance art institution that curates the programme at the Burghoftheater. During the summer months, the performances move to the water castle; at other times of the year, the programme takes place at other venues in the region.