2009, with a total of 394,766 spectators attending the most successful open-air theatre in Germany this year. On July 19, 2010, the 1091st performance since 1993 counted the five millionth visitor to Ralswiek. This results in an average of 4600 visitors per performance with a capacity of 8802 seats. With the end of the 2016 season, the festival will attract more than 7.3 million visitors in 24 years and more than 1500 performances. Contributors The Störtebeker Festival employs more than 140 extras, 20 actors, 30 horses, four ships with skippers, and other behind-the-scenes staff. The casting of the extras takes place at the beginning of March of the respective year. Actors with the Most Contributions Overview of performers Performances since 1993 Economic Situation The number of visitors to the spectacle has increased significantly since 1993. In 2006, there was a small decrease in the number of visitors, which was also in line with the general trend in tourism figures on the island of Rügen and was due to the bad weather and the economic situation in Germany. In 2007, however, there was another increase and the 2008 season began with a significant increase in viewers. Störtebeker Festspiele GmbH & Co. KG is a private family business that does not receive government subsidies and is co-financed by sponsors. The new media partner has been the NDR's. Peter Hick has been theatre director of the Störtebeker Festspiele since 1993. His wife Ruth Hick and daughter Anna-Theresa Hick are managing directors of the company. References External links Official website of the Störtebeker Festival, Theatre festivals in Germany Rügen Events in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Culture of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania 1959 establishments in East Germany Recurring events established in 1959 Annual events in Germany