"This paper applies David Marsden's Theory of Employment Systems to employment relations in German non-profit repertory theatres. Constraints in applying Marsden's framework to theatres are taken as a starting point for a reconsideration of its underpinning assumptions. I show that this approach (i) helps us to understand the institutional embeddedness of theatrical employment and (ii) enables a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of Marsden's theory. Since Marsden supports the idea that the open-ended employment relationship will persist and will remain prevalent, challenging his theory can contribute to our understanding of 'new' forms of employment."

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