On 11 April 1933 Berlin-born Ruth Mühsam (1912–1993) passed her acting examination at the German Stage Association. The examination certificate issued nine days later was sent with a letter that explicitly pointed out to her just how difficult it would be to find work as an actress. The remarks clearly reflected the troubled times and must have been a bitter disappointment for the young Jewish actress, who was just embarking on a career in Germany.

Earlier, in late January 1933, Ruth Mühsam had secured an engagement for the 1933/34 season at the Landestheater in Darmstadt, with the option of continuing the following year. She was hired for roles as a "young character actress and Salondame [society lady]." However, following the passage of the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service on 7 April, this engagement was cancelled.

In September 1933 she was employed by the Théâtre Municipal in Strasbourg and in June 1934 she began working in Vienna—like her father she had Austrian citizenship. In 1935 she attempted to establish herself as an actress in London, but her efforts were unsuccessful. She remained in the Austrian capital until late October 1937 working at the Volkstheater. When Austria was annexed by Germany few months later, in March 1938, Ruth was visiting friends in Los Angeles and she was able to stay on in California. There she met, among others, the famous writer Erich Maria Remarque, with whom she maintained a close lifelong friendship. With Remarque's help she was able to rescue her mother and sister from Germany.

After a law was passed in September 1933 establishing the Reich Chamber of Culture, the German Stage Association was initially incorporated into the Reich Theater Chamber. Then, in 1935 it was dissolved.

Aubrey Pomerance

Examination Office
of the German Stage Association and Union of German
Stage Workers

Office: Berlin W. 62, Keithstr. 11

Berlin, 20 April 1933

Fräulein
Ruth Mühsam,
Charlottenburg
Witzlebenstr. 16

Dear Fräulein Mühsam!

Based on the performance you gave during your examination, the examination board has decided to award you this certificate for stage acting. However, the board feels compelled to point out the particular difficulties currently confronting anyone who wishes to pursue a stage career.

Yours faithfully

The Examination Office in Berlin

(signed)