with the establishment of the association of theatre professionals in the gdr in december 1966, the aim of which was to shape the theatre scene by means of self-control in line with socialist ideology, the magazine's editorship was handed over to the association. the henschelverlag retained responsibility for personnel, print, and distribution. although this ultimately increased political pressure on the magazine, editors were able to strengthen their networks within the theatre scene by attending colloquia and festivals and by travelling abroad. as a result, "theater der zeit" increased its practical relevance, thereby strengthening its reputation and increasing its print run in the 1970s and 1980s.