Freek Nieuwdorp

Freek Nieuwdorp (1992, Deventer) is a Dutch theatre maker and actor with an energetic and physically expressive acting style. After starting at the Maastricht Theatre Academy, he graduated from the Mime programme at the Amsterdam School of the Arts in 2017. During his studies, he did internships at Theater Artemis and the NNT and worked with director Moniek Merkx at Maas theater en dans.

After graduating, he developed his practice by working at Maas Theater en Dans, 155 (in Johnny), Visavis, youth theatre collective Meneer Monster and the Jakop Ahlbom Company, where he performed in the action slapstick show Knock-Out. He is currently performing in A Fine Mess, a new visual action comedy by Jakop Ahlbom and Marco Gerris.

At Maas theatre and dance, he developed his craft, including in collaboration with Jurrien Remkes for the Parade performance Showtje tof doen. In 2024, he created his own performance Milky Way (8+), a physical and visual production about wonder and loneliness. For this performance, he received the Zilveren Krekel award and was nominated for the Jonge Zwaan award. Critic Annette Embrechts called him an “up-and-coming talent”.

Freek Nieuwdorp recently received the Nieuwe Makersregeling (New Makers Scheme) grant. In collaboration with Panama Pictures, he is developing new work that combines physical theatre, dance and acrobatics, with a strong focus on youth and young audiences. In his practice, he moves between mime, dance, circus and stunt work, using the body as a starting point for imagination.