Since 2021, I have worked as an assistant director on several theatre productions, a role that gradually shaped my eye, rhythm, and ability to collaborate within a creative team. While technical tasks such as preparing rehearsals, setting up stage spaces, tracking props, and coordinating costume changes were important, it was the development of my soft skills that really defined my experience. From learning to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse teams to staying adaptable and calm under pressure, it helped me refine my ability to manage time, solve problems creatively and fast, and take responsibility for the success of a production.
Á l’Ouest d’Arkham – Mani Muller / Bach-Lan Lê-Bá Thi : Escher Theater
À l’Ouest d’Arkham was a world premiere freely adapted from H. P. Lovecraft by Mani Muller and directed by Bach-Lan Lê-Bá Thi at the Escher Theater in October 2025. Serving as second assistant, responsibilities included prompting, supporting the director during rehearsals, and facilitating communication with the team. This role allowed close engagement with the creation of a new theatrical work, contributing to its mysterious and immersive atmosphere while developing precision, coordination, and attention to detail.
Schwarze Spiegel – Arno Schmidt / Kathrin Herm : TNL
I collaborated on Schwarze Spiegel (Black Mirrors), an adaptation of Arno Schmidt’s novel directed by Kathrin Herm and presented at the Théâtre National du Luxembourg in May–June 2023. The production, both abstract and poetic in its form, explored delicate connections between image, body, and sound. I assisted the actors by prompting lines during rehearsals and took care of the organization and management of stage props. During the performances, I handled the props on and off stage, preparing, placing, and changing them as part of the live rhythm of the piece. I also supported the digital aspects of the production, ensuring that the cameras and other technical equipment were ready and charged, and I documented the director’s notes throughout the process.
Deux Petites Dames vers le Nord – Pierre Notte / François Camus : Escher Theater
On Deux Petites Dames vers le Nord by Pierre Notte, directed by François Camus at the Théâtre d’Esch, I worked from March to May 2023 as an assistant director. During rehearsals, I was responsible for prompting the actors and taking notes on the stage directions and scenic adjustments. I also researched and prepared the sound elements used in the production and operated the sound cues during the performances. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the dialogue between text, sound and of the precision required to support the actors.
Cafe Terminus / Frank Hoffmann : TNL
In February and March 2023, I assisted Frank Hoffmann at the Théâtre National du Luxembourg once again on Café Terminus, a play loosely inspired by The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O’Neill. As an assistant director, I helped with blocking, managing rehearsal notes, tracking stage directions, organizing props and providing organizational support throughout the creative process. I continued with the production during its tour to CAPE Ettelbruck in May 2023 and again for its revival at the TNL in early 2024.
Je ne suis pas de moi – Roland Dubillard / Maria Machado & Charlotte Escamez : TNL
In November 2022, I helped guide the cast during the tour of Je ne suis pas de moi by Roland Dubillard, directed by Charlotte Escamez and Maria Machado at the Théâtre National du Luxembourg. My role was to support the group logistically and artistically, ensuring smooth transitions and taking care of behind-the-scenes needs throughout the tour.
Frontalier – Jean Portante / Frank Hoffmann : TNL
In February 2021, I had the opportunity to work as an intern at the Théâtre National du Luxembourg on Frontalier, a play written by Jean Portante and directed by Frank Hoffmann. It was my first encounter with professional theatre. My responsibilities included prompting during rehearsals and following the text during performances, managing props and ensuring the costume was clean and ready for each show. I also contributed to the production’s outreach by assisting with marketing and selling books during the tour.
I accompanied the show on tour, which brought us to several exciting venues: the Maison de la Poésie in Paris (FR), the Aalt Stadhaus in Differdange (LU), the Passages Transfestival at the Maison de Robert Schuman in Scy-Chazelles (FR) and the Arsenal in Metz (FR), and finally the OFF Festival in Avignon (FR), at the Théâtre du Balcon in July 2022. Every venue came with its own set of challenges and discoveries, from adapting the staging to different technical setups to maintaining the emotional and visual continuity of the piece in changing environments.
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Pauline Cano - Multidisciplinary artist 