My Path to Theatre
In 1996, my family and I immigrated to Dubai, where I lived for more than twenty years. From seventh grade onwards, I chose Drama as a subject at the Cambridge International School of Dubai. Since then, acting, storytelling, and working on stage have been a constant part of my life.
A particularly important influence during that time was my drama teacher, who recognised my potential and encouraged me to pursue acting further. What began as a school subject quickly became something much deeper—a place of belonging, expression, and personal growth. After finishing high school, my desire to study acting professionally grew stronger. A formative step on this path was a workshop at the New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi, where I gained my first intensive insight into professional on-camera acting. During this time, I was introduced to various acting techniques, including Sanford Meisner.
This experience led me to discover the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York—the home of the Meisner technique, where Sanford Meisner himself taught. The philosophy and approach immediately resonated with me, and I knew that this was where I wanted to train. Before pursuing this path, I completed a professional diploma in Event Management (a vocational training) and worked full-time for several years in event and project management. Despite the stability of this career, it became increasingly clear to me that acting and theatre were not just a passion, but a calling.
In 2013, I made the conscious decision to fully commit to acting. I applied to the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York, was accepted, and began my professional training as an actor, which I completed over the course of two years.
Showcase at the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, New York
Musical at the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, New York
Short & Sweet Festival at The Junction Theatre Dubai
Musical at the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, New York
A little bit of my Acting Life…
Final Production at Latibul Cologne
48 Hour Theatre Festival Dubai, The Junction Theatre
Professional Training & International Experience
From 2013 to 2015, I completed my acting training at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York. The Sanford Meisner Technique taught there continues to shape my work to this day. The focus on authentic reacting, truthfulness in the moment, and genuine connection with scene partners forms the foundation of my teaching – complemented by improvisation, ensemble work, and intensive voice and body training.
After graduating, I initially returned to Dubai, where I worked as an actress and director in community theatres. Among other projects, I directed productions as part of the well-known Short+Sweet Theatre Festival Dubai (The Junction Theatre), as well as Neil Simon’s The Prisoner of Second Avenue. At the same time, I continued working in a leadership role in project management – a combination that still defines my approach today: creative, structured, and responsible.
Approach & Philosophy
What matters most to me is creating a space in which people can arrive as they are — without pressure, without expectation, and without the need to perform. A space that is grounded in respect, openness, and trust, where playfulness and courage are not demanded, but gently invited.
My work is rooted in the belief that authentic expression cannot be forced. It emerges in moments of presence, in attentive listening, and in the willingness to be affected by what is happening in the here and now. Theatre, in this sense, is not about “acting” something, but about experiencing — about being fully engaged with oneself, with others, and with the moment.
I approach theatre as a process rather than a result. It is not about perfection or outcome, but about exploration, discovery, and connection. When people feel safe enough to take risks, to be seen, and to express themselves honestly, growth happens naturally. Confidence develops from within, and each individual begins to trust their own impulses and voice.
In this way, theatre becomes a space of awareness — one that deepens perception, strengthens connection, and allows something real and meaningful to unfold.
Current Work
My work moves between different projects, contexts, and collaborations. Depending on the setting, I work as a theatre educator, acting coach, or director — currently often within schools and educational environments, as well as in independent groups, one-to-one coaching, and online formats.
At the heart of it, my work brings together acting, pedagogy, and personal development. Whether in a classroom, a rehearsal space, or an individual session, I support children, teenagers, and adults in strengthening their presence, finding their voice, and building confidence. This also includes working through performance and presentation anxiety, and encouraging authentic self-expression — both on stage and in everyday life.
My work is shaped by diverse artistic and cultural experiences, which naturally inform the way I teach and connect with people.
Selected Work – Directing, Productions & Roles
2024 – Germany
Die Landarztpraxis (SAT.1)
Season 2, Episode 62 – Scars of the Past
Role: Sibille Krauser
Director: Susanne Diekwisch
2023 – Cologne, Germany
Latibul Theatre & Circus Pedagogy Centre Cologne
Enough is Enough
Original Play | Written & Directed by Jasmin Neuschaefer
Performed at the Latibul Theatre
2022 – Erftstadt, Germany
Independent Waldorf School Erftstadt
All Inclusive – The Wild Crime Story
by Volker Zill
Direction: Jasmin Neuschaefer (with a Grade 12 Class)
Full-Length Theatre Production
Since 2017 – Germany & International Schools
Directed theatre productions, acting clubs, holiday camps, and drama groups, combining artistic direction with pedagogical leadership.
– Die Vorzeigekinder Peter Futterschneider
– Hänsel und Gretel und die Super-Nanny Rainer Hospodarz
– Ein Mensch vor dem Gericht der Tiere Helen Gori
– The Princess’s New Clothes D. M. Larson
– The Unicorn Sneezes D. M. Larson
– The Crazy Story Philip Ridley
– The Quarrelling Queens Jasmin Neuschäfer
– Die zankenden Königinnen Jasmin Neuschäfer
Original stage adaptations based on the original stories, developed collaboratively with colleagues.
The Lion King, Peter Pan, The Junglebook, Oliver Twist, The Nativity Play, The Christmas Carol, The Wizard of Oz and Matilda.
2017 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Understanding Peanut
by Rita Martinos
Directed by Me & Supporting Role
Performed at the Short+Sweet Theatre Festival Dubai Red Carpet Gala Final at the Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Please Don’t Cry
by Farheen Khan
Director: Farheen Khan
Lead Role: Bree
Performed as part of the Queens of Drama Festival at The Junction Theatre, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
The Prisoner of Second Avenue
by Neil Simon
Director of a Full-Length Production with an Adult Ensemble
Including Scenic World & Complete Directorial Concept
Performed at The Junction Theatre, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
2016 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Heaven Knows
48 Hour Play Festival Dubai
Lead Role: Eve
Director: Michael Naser
Performed at The Junction Theatre, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Cate Blanchett Wants to Be My Friend on Facebook
by Alex Broun
Lead Role: Cate Blanchett
Directed by Me
Performed at The Junction Theatre, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Educational Work 2016
At the German International School Dubai, I led a three-month acting training programme for a year 5 class and taught theatre within the school context.
2014–2015 – New York, USA
The Prisoner of Second Avenue by Neil Simon
Director: Gary Kingston
Performed at the Rita Morgenthau Theatre
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, New York
Love Changes Everything (Musical)
Role: Ellen Greene – “Suddenly Seymour”
Director: Douglas Cohen
Performed at the Rita Morgenthau Theatre
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, New York
Almost, Maine (This Hurts) by John Cariani
Lead Role: Marvelene
Director: James Brill
Performed at the Rita Morgenthau Theatre
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, New York
Chocolate
Role: Mrs. Colby
Director: Gary Kingston
Performed at The Lion Theatre
Off-Off-Broadway House, New York
Maids of Honor
Lead Role: Monica
Director: Gary Kingston
Performed at The Lion Theatre
Off-Off-Broadway House, New York
Selected Schools & Institutions
Over the past ten years, I have worked with hundreds of students across a wide range of schools, theatre programs, and international institutions.
St. Georges British International School Cologne & Duisburg/Dusseldorf
Cologne International School Cologne
Gesamtschule Pulheim
Acting Center Cologne
Kaiserin Augusta Gymnasium
Albertus Magnus Gymnasium
Independent Waldorf School Erftstadt
The Junction Theatre Dubai
German International School Dubai