Coen Wigbold

Name: Coen Wigbold

Birthday: 16 August 1997

"The secret of happiness is to see all the wonders of the world, and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon." - Paulo Coelho

Who are you as a teacher and creator?

As a teacher and creator, I'm curious about the talents and qualities of my performers. I enjoy engaging in the creative process with them, usually taking the lead, but always looking for ways to enhance their strengths and let them shine. I love that. I absolutely adore directing and composing theatre productions. Playing with tempo, rhythm, and text feels like music. Yet, my heart lies primarily in creating performances with a philosophical character, in which the absurd, abstract, and poetic play a significant role. I enjoy exploring themes such as human behaviour, identity, and moral questions—often with a twisted, alienating edge. My work invites thought, feeling, and wonder. I strive for a form of theatre that doesn't necessarily have to be logical, but is moving and leaves room for interpretation.

What inspires or fascinates you?

I draw inspiration from acting methods such as those of Stanislavski, Meisner, and Chekhov. I'm curious about how these techniques can contribute to my directing and how they can help actors develop more honest, deeper, and physical performances. I also draw inspiration from the news, literature, poetry, and especially from the actors themselves. My inspiration often arises on stage—through writing, experimenting, responding to what's happening—and I build on that process.

What is your ambition/wish for the future?

My ambition is to establish my own theatre company, accessible to both amateur and professional actors. I dream of having my own performance space: a place where I can create performances and teach at different levels. A place for acting, experimentation, and deepening.

"Why do we have this?"
A study on how young people relate to arts and culture education in CKV classes.

Tell us something about your research.

My research focuses on how young people relate to arts and culture education. Many studies and policy documents primarily focus on schools and institutions, but young people themselves rarely have a voice. I'm curious about their honest, unfiltered opinions: how do they experience subjects like cultural and artistic education? What appeals to them, and above all—what are they missing? Their perspective is essential to me, because I believe that arts and cultural education is only truly valuable when it connects with their world.

Internships

• Roc van Twente – Acting Program (Assistant Director, Acting Coach, Teacher, Visual Director)
• 3rd year: Belfast Gems-Oasis & Beyond Skin
• 2nd year: ’t Porteum Lelystad