Cast
Doing it differently…
Founded in San Francisco by Cirque du Soleil acrobat and clown Robert Rodgers, Scratch Theater was reborn in Berlin as an ensemble of performers expanding the possibilities of improvisational storytelling. Performances are never repeated—they are unique spectacles bursting with lights and sounds. By twisting and flipping genres and formats into something entirely different, these spontaneous stories become lasting memories.
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by Nigel Willox
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Dietger van Antwerpen
An avid-reader of play scripts, this Dutch-transplant brings his slow-burn style of improvisation to the ensemble. He has performed on several stages across Berlin and Europe and teaches students of all levels at the Scratch Impro School. Since 2026, he has been one of the artistic directors of Scratch Theater, helping to shape and carry the school into its next chapter.
Naomi Blakeslee
Naomi has been improvising since her university years in the States and performing long-form improv in Berlin since 2016. She loves ensemble-driven storytelling, rich characters, and performances that can shift between comedy, intimacy, and the unexpected. She teaches, coaches, produces, and performs improv in Berlin, across Germany, and internationally, with a particular focus on listening, connection, and collaborative storytelling. Since 2026, she has been one of the artistic directors of Scratch Theater, helping to shape and carry the school into its next chapter.
Marie Bolster
A long-time member of Scratch, Marie performs, teaches and organizes across Berlin’s international improv scene. Marie has a sharp eye for the reality of a scene: notices what has been established, embraces it, and has a knack for turning confusion and loose ends into something that makes sense. Perceptive and generous on stage, she moves easily between comedy and emotional truth while always playing for the ensemble. Since 2026, she has been one of the artistic directors of Scratch Theater, helping to shape and carry the school into its next chapter.
Max Caskie
A writer by trade, Max brings his experience of narrative structure to the stage. He often sees where a story wants to go and, crucially, how to bring it home. Besides monthly Scratch performances, he also teaches beginner and intermediate students at the Scratch Impro School. As one the artistic directors of Scratch Theater since 2026, Max is currently supporting to shape and carry the school into its next chapter.
Theresa Mertens
A native Berliner and regular face on the English and German long-form circuits in town, Theresa teaches students of all levels at the Scratch Impro School and produces our Student Showcase, “…in good company!” She has trained with world-renowned improvisors and played at festivals across Europe.
Esther Tchlakichvili
Esther performs with Scratch Theater and is passionate about improv that values depth over speed. She teaches to help beginners slow down, listen deeply, and find their authentic voice on stage.
Liav Gabay
Liav Gabay is an improv instructor, a visual artist and as someone who traveled the world, he brings his passion for art to life. As an active member of the Scratch Theater Company he performs in shows on a regular basis. Combining his acting studies of Meisner technique with narration based improv skills, he shares a colourful set of experiences with his students.
Robert Rodgers
Founder of Scratch Theater. A veteran acrobat and clown who toured with Cirque du Soleil, on standup circuits and in feature films, Robert originally founded Scratch Theater in San Francisco before bringing the philosophy to Berlin. He has performed across multiple continents and is a sought-after instructor. Until 2026, he has been creative director of the Scratch Impro School.
Photo by Nigel Willox
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by C. LoRomer
Photo by Nigel Willox
Photo by C. LoRomer