Nadine Imboden: Directing reality – why staging isn’t a luxury

What makes events unforgettable? How does content become real stories that touch people? How does staging achieve its full impact in live communication?

In this episode, Jonathan Schwarz speaks with Nadine Imboden, a director, choreographer, and creative entrepreneur, about the power of staging in live communication. 

At the heart of the discussion is a clear thesis: If you want to reach people, you need dramaturgy. Events that merely convey content are ineffective. Only through an emotional arc are meaning and memory created. 

Together, they discuss why staging is a strategy, not just decoration. They explain why the audience is not merely spectators but part of the experience. They also explain why, especially in a technologized world, genuine, imperfect, and human elements make all the difference. 

Guest: Nadine Imboden

Nadine Imboden has been active in the international entertainment industry for over 38 years as a dancer, choreographer, director, and creative entrepreneur. She trained in London, Cannes, and Paris before moving to New York. 

She has produced over 540 productions across four continents, developed TV formats such as Benissimo, and staged major shows and opening ceremonies worldwide. Through her company, Entertainment in Motion, she works with a global network of talent, bringing artistic productions to a variety of formats and contexts. 

Links

Mobiliar’s 200th Anniversary Celebration: A brand showcase in five acts 

ABB Anniversary Celebration: Storytelling through staging 

China Media Group: Martial arts robots captivate the audience at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala