Their very popular performances at the Brotfabrik are usually sold out and for some actors, are the first important step into the profession. “The BUSC allowed me to get into directing,” says Jens Kerbel, who has since directed plays in city, regional and national theatres in Oldenburg, Dortmund, Wiesbaden, Marburg and Heilbronn. Johannes Neubert is currently studying at the renowned East 15 Acting School in London and as part of a college project will be able to stand on the most famous Shakespearean stage at the Globe Theatre. “I wouldn’t be in this magical place without the BUSC,” he says. The company allowed him to gain experience in foreign-language productions.

All the BUSC’s members are incredibly motivated, another reason why the monster productions regularly fill the Brotfabrik. “Everyone used to hope for a role,” says chairman Peter Schild, “but in the meantime we are getting more and more members who want to help with make-up or scenery.” And it shows: these two areas of theatre, often poorly staffed in other companies, are one of the key elements of the BUSC, allowing for opulent productions.

The BUSC can look back on more than 50 productions and the next premiere, “Julia Caesar” takes place this week. “But we haven’t done all of Shakespeare’s plays yet,” admits Schild. “We are missing a few comedies and some historical pieces.”

The members themselves are responsible for choosing the plays. Everything is possible and everyone can have a go. “That’s what makes the BUSC stand out,” says Daniella Boyd, who is currently studying at the Musical Theatre Academy in London. “When someone directs at the BUSC, it’s often for the first time. Mistakes are made, but to me that makes how good the outcome is all the more amazing. It’s an environment in which everyone can try things out. And you gain a family for life.”

Something Jens Kerbel also emphasises: “Today I naturally direct completely differently from my first attempts with the BUSC, but I can only do that because at that time I jumped in at the deep end…And to be honest, in all the cities in which I have worked in the last few years, I have not seen a student company that is a match for the BUSC in terms of standard and organisation.”

And so another 25 years? “Why not,” says Peter Schild and laughs. “We have survived three generational changes and are still growing. I’m not worried about the future of the BUSC.”

Julia Caesar is being performed from 8.-10.12 and from 12.-15.12 at 8pm in the Brotfabrik in Beuel. For more details go to www.brotfabrik-theater.de . Tickets are available from www.bonnticket.de

(Original text: Thomas Kölsch/kc. Translated by Kate Carey.)