ˈæftɚ stˈʌdiɪŋ ɪn bɜːlˈɪn ænd ɐ vɚɹˈaɪəɾi ʌv ˈɑːd dʒˈɑːbz, hiː bɪɡˈæn hɪz kɚɹˈɪɹ æz ɐ stˈeɪdʒ dᵻɹˈɛktɚɹ ʌv ˌɑːpɚɹˈɛɾəz ɪn hˈæmbɜːɡ.
After studying in Berlin and a variety of odd jobs, he began his career as a stage director of operettas in Hamburg.