Born and raised in a small town in Germany, Robin’s journey has been shaped by movement, curiosity, and an undeniable pull toward the stage. From early dreams of life beyond his hometown to musical theatre, international experiences, and bold new chapters abroad, his story is one of growth, reinvention, and trust in change. In this candid conversation for Yummy 11, Robby reflects on identity, creativity, desire, and what it means to follow your instincts, both on and off the spotlight.
The images are cropped/made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummy Issue Eleven
Photo story by sasha olsen, interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
An Interview with Robin Apostel
AGE. To begin with, tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you when the spotlight is off? Where did your journey start, and what moments shaped who you are today?
R. I’m Robby, I’m 27 years old, born and raised in a small town in the middle of Germany. When the spotlight is off, I’m just a boy next door. I’m a very positive, smiley boy, adventurous, but I also like to chill when I’m not travelling or performing somewhere. Just a regular guy watching TV and eating, I love eating. My journey started after high school, when I moved out of my parents’ house. That’s when I could really unfold myself and find who I am in this world, and I think moving to a different city is what started shaping me. I think I am still growing and reinventing myself.
AGE. You were born in Braunschweig, a relatively small town in Germany, but it seems clear that staying there was never the plan. When did you first feel the urge to leave and explore life beyond that bubble?
R. From a very young age, I already knew I didn’t really belong in that small town. I knew this was where I am from, but I was sure this is not where I’m going to end up; this is just the beginning. I felt the urge very early in life, probably when I was fourteen, around the time I was discovering more about my sexuality and not having role models in my surroundings. All the references I knew were from bigger cities or other countries.
AGE. At just sixteen, you moved to the United States as an exchange student. How did that year abroad change you, especially at such a formative age?
R. I went to the United States when I was sixteen as an exchange student, and it completely changed my perspective on life and made me a bit of who I am today. When you leave the bubble of your hometown, family, friends, and language, and live somewhere you’ve never been before with strangers at that age, it’s scary, but also a challenge that I overcame and grew from. It opened the world for me and made me not only learn English but also live culturally with foreign people, who eventually become somewhat of a family to you. It really changed my perspective on a lot of things in life, like the definition of family and friendship.
AGE. After returning to Germany, you chose Hamburg and pursued a career in musical theatre. What drew you to performing arts, and what was it like studying at Stage School Hamburg?
R. I always sang, danced, and acted around the house when growing up. I was already taking dance lessons, but my mom told me about a musical school nearby, so we went to see what it was all about. I never knew this could be a career path. I did an entry test and they chose me, so I moved to Hamburg after finishing high school. I knew that was what I wanted to do; I had that calling of being on stage because it’s where I felt most comfortable. Moving to Hamburg was the perfect step to go to a big city and pursue my dream of becoming a musical actor. I also struggled living alone in a new city. I had to study and also work to pay rent and food, so it was challenging, but as a young artist, you burn to be on stage, and all of that pushes you forward. Looking back, it was a very good time, and I learned a lot. I also learned a lot about myself through acting classes, where you connect with your feelings and with other people.
AGE. Graduating in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, must have been challenging. How did that moment affect your motivation, your plans, and your relationship with your craft?
R. I felt like I was finished with my college studies, but I couldn’t work. Everything I wanted wasn’t possible at that moment, so there were a lot of question marks. However, I was pretty chill because I knew the whole world was in the same pause state, and I knew my chances to work in what I love would resume sooner or later. Luckily, I already had a contract with a theatre. I got paid a bit less, but I was financially okay. I was living with my best friend, who wasn’t working either, so we had a great time. I still had a lot of motivation and also did other jobs like TV shows, music video shoots, and so on.
AGE. You’ve worked across Germany as a background dancer for various TV productions and later spent two years performing in Mamma Mia. What did that chapter give you, both professionally and personally?
R. It was really exciting. You get to meet a lot of inspiring people, you’re motivated to work on your skills, and to book new jobs. It’s really cool that you can do multiple things at once. However, working as a freelancer, you lack stability because you never know if next month is going to be as good as this month. Working in a musical, eight shows a week for almost two years, gives you that stability, but it has nothing to do with adventure anymore. All the shows are the same, nothing new happens, and you don’t grow. These two sectors showed me that I need a balance of both: stability, but also the need to break out of the habit of doing the same thing.
AGE. After such a stable run, you decided to shake things up and move to Madrid. What were you searching for at that point in your life, and what did Spain give you that Germany couldn’t?
R. I felt that call again to move somewhere else. I wanted to work on something I normally don’t do at my job, where I learn choreography and replicate it without even using my brain. I wanted to use my brain, learn a new language, have other opportunities, and grow. So I went to study Spanish in Madrid. I just wanted a new adventure. After some time, I moved into a shared flat where none of my flatmates spoke English, so I realised I was good with languages, and it opened the door to new friends and culture. I was tired of my old life, so I needed that change.
AGE. In Madrid, you balanced several roles: dancer, model, and even English teacher. How did that period of multitasking influence your sense of independence and identity?
R. At first, I wasn’t working when I arrived in Madrid, but then all of a sudden I started working as many things: a model, dancer, and English teacher. That showed me I’m very versatile and have so many interests career-wise. It was fulfilling to see that I could teach kids and work with them. I realised I won’t be able to work as a model or dancer forever, but I can be an English teacher. So having multiple career options gave me some tranquillity, and I know I’ll always do something that fulfils me. And who knows, maybe I’ll discover another career path I love in the future. This period showed me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, and I’m not dependent on someone giving me a role on stage.
AGE. Eventually, you felt the pull back to musical theatre and returned to Germany. What made you realise that the stage is where you truly belong?
R. After some time freelancing, I felt like going back to Germany to audition for German musicals, to see if that was still something I wanted to do, and if they still saw something in me. It was also sort of an ego thing, but I also missed performing on stage and being in the spotlight. I tried my chances, and it worked.
AGE. You’re currently based in Stuttgart and performing in We Will Rock You. How does this production feel compared to your previous experiences, and where do you see your career heading next?
R. We Will Rock You is also eight shows per week for a year, like Mamma Mia, so I quickly felt like it was taking away my creativity again. But I came with a different mindset, already knowing this situation, and planning little escapes in advance. I’m living alone for the first time in my life, so I’m learning what it’s like to provide for myself and live independently.
AGE. You describe yourself as positive, energetic, and ambitious. Where does that energy come from, and what kind of dreams are driving you right now?
R. I always have this energy that something good is coming my way, and that keeps me motivated. Right now, I dream of living for a couple of months in New York, influenced by books I’ve read and the idea of seeing how it feels to live my dreams there. I know it’s a place that will inspire me and help me figure out what type of artist I am and what I can become.
Quick-Fire Questions
AGE. What’s something about you that surprises people once they get to know you?
R. Something that surprises people is that I love reading; it’s my little escape from reality. I love coming-of-age books, fiction with a touch of gay romance, queer stories, and LGBTQ+ stories.
AGE. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
R. Positive, energetic, and ambitious. Full of light.
AGE. What’s a daily ritual you can’t live without?
R. Every night before bed, I lie on my spike mat. It really hurts for the first few minutes, but then it softens me and relaxes me.
AGE. What instantly puts you in a good mood?
R. The sun when it’s shining.
AGE. What’s something you’re currently working on improving in yourself?
R. Not grabbing my phone first thing in the morning.
AGE. What’s your biggest source of motivation when things don’t go as planned?
R. I trust that the universe has a plan for me. Sometimes unexpected paths turn out to be the best situations in my life, so I try to stay chill. Life just happens, and we don’t have guarantees.
AGE. What’s your comfort activity after a long rehearsal day?
R. Getting home, putting on some music, lighting candles, and just relaxing by myself.
Unveiling His Yummy Side
AGE. What does the word “yummy” evoke for you—a feeling, a vibe, a fantasy?
R. “Yummy” is playful but also sexy in a way. It’s like when you see someone you’re attracted to and imagine flirting with them, thinking, “That’s a yummy person,” in a sexy and playful way.
AGE. You did a lovely shoot for Yummy 11 with Sasha Olsen in Portugal. How was this experience for you?
R. It was so nice, we just went with the flow, and it created the best outcome for the photos. We got along really well, which is important because when you shoot nude, it’s nice to feel comfortable with the person behind the camera. It was also my first time in Portugal, which was very cool. We shot at the beach and at a house. I had an amazing time.
AGE. Did something funny happen during the shoot, or was there any memorable moment worth sharing?
R. We went to the beach and had to walk down a cliff with stairs, but because of the storm, the path was a bit destroyed, so it was quite adventurous. And knowing I would shoot naked on a beach where people could see me was also really exciting.
AGE. As a dancer and performer, you’re very connected to your body. What’s your favourite part of it, and why?
R. For shooting specifically, I can picture poses from the photographer’s perspective, so I know what looks good and what works. That’s my favourite part, being able to visualise how it looks and feel my body, because I’m used to feedback and seeing myself in the mirror.
AGE. What kind of clothes make you feel the most confident and desirable, on stage or off? What type of underwear do you prefer?
R. I really like tank tops; I like showing that I go to the gym. I love crop tops when they’re tight and show the body shape. I like wearing crop tops with baggy pants, and I love oversized clothes in general, hoodies and jeans. Anything comfortable. For underwear, I usually wear briefs.
AGE. Are you more of a tease without realising it, or do you know exactly what you’re doing? What’s your signature move?
R. I’d say I’m a tease because I know what I’m doing. I love flirting, and I’m comfortable and extroverted enough to give compliments, hold eye contact, and smile a lot. My signature move is probably a bold stare, a good smile, and a quick “Hi, you’re cute,” if the situation is right.
AGE. Do you feel sexier in motion, dancing, or in stillness, holding eye contact?
R. I love holding eye contact; it’s one of the sexiest things that can happen. But I feel sexier dancing.
AGE. When someone catches your attention, what’s the very first physical detail you notice?
R. Probably the smile. I love bright smiles when people aren’t shy about showing their authentic selves.
AGE. Are you the type who enjoys building tension slowly, or do you prefer passion that hits instantly?
R. I love building tension slowly until it turns into passion and explodes.
AGE. How important is sex for you? What elements make it a mind-blowing experience?
R. Sex is important to me, not the most important thing, but very important. Eye contact is a huge turn-on for me.
AGE. Late nights after a show: deep conversations, quiet intimacy, or playful chaos?
R. It depends on my mood and the day. On a Tuesday night, I’d probably crave quiet intimacy and deep conversation. On a Friday night, definitely playful chaos.
A Final Note
AGE. When you imagine your future self—artistically, emotionally, sensually—what do you see? What version of you are you working toward?
R. I see myself living in a city by the sea. I imagine being very active outdoors, running on the beach, playing volleyball, skateboarding, and being surrounded by people and close friends. Work-wise, I think I’ll have a main job and a few side hustles, because I like juggling different things that bring me joy. I just want a life that feels good, like sunlight on my skin.
