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Theatre and Opera in the Grand Est region: live performances

The Grand Est is a region of France where the performing arts play an essential role in the culture and history of the region. Theatre, opera, dance, music, circus, cabaret, equestrian arts and puppetry: everywhere, artists are bringing the stages and cultural spaces to life with passion. Each project and each creation enriches a unique cultural heritage.

Theatres in the Grand Est region: venues for the arts

The theatres of the Grand Est region are among the most renowned in France. In Nancy, the Théâtre de la Manufacture promotes contemporary creation and welcomes numerous companies every year. In the Vosges, the Théâtre du Peuple de Bussang offers a unique experience in its auditorium overlooking the forest, bringing together professional and amateur artists. In Épinal, Scènes Vosges brings the region to life with a varied programme of theatre, music and dance. These major venues contribute to the region's influence and the vitality of the performing arts.

La Comédie – Centre Dramatique National de Reims

La Comédie - Centre Dramatique National de Reims

Located in the heart of Reims, La Comédie - Centre Dramatique National is a driving force for theatrical creation in the Grand Est region. Housed in a contemporary building with bright, open-plan architecture, it stands out for its ambitious programme that combines great texts, contemporary writing and multi-disciplinary shows. Since its creation, the Comédie has welcomed renowned directors, while supporting promising young companies. It is also open to the circus, music and dance, offering a broad vision of the performing arts.

Le Troyes Fois Plus 3

Troyes Fois Plus

In just a few years, Troyes Fois Plus has become a key player on the regional theatre scene. Its strength lies in its ability to offer a varied programme that combines text-based theatre, shows for young audiences, creations combining music and animation, and hybrid forms incorporating video, dance and puppetry. This friendly, creative venue welcomes both local artists and companies from all over France. Performances are often accompanied by encounters, discovery workshops or events in the public space.

Théâtre de Charleville-Mézières

TCM - Théâtre de Charleville-Mézières

A symbol of the city of Charleville-Mézières, the TCM has a deep connection with the art of puppetry, one of the region's flagship disciplines. In this theatre, with its warm atmosphere and fine acoustics, audiences can discover an eclectic programme of plays, concerts and circus shows. The TCM regularly plays host to international companies, particularly during the highlights of the World Puppet Theatre Festival. The TCM is open to all audiences, with formats tailored to families, schoolchildren and those interested in discovering the arts.

Espace Bernard-Marie Koltès - Metz

Located on the campus of the Université de Lorraine in Metz, the Espace Bernard-Marie Koltès is a centre for the creation and presentation of contemporary theatre. Named after an internationally renowned playwright from Metz, it is a place for artistic research and dialogue with the academic world. Its programme showcases original works that are often socially engaged and in touch with current social and political realities. The companies that perform there come from all over France and sometimes from abroad, bringing an international dimension to the local scene.

Opéra

Opera and dance: the choreographic and musical scene

The opera houses of the Grand Est region have helped to raise the profile of the region far beyond its borders. The Opéra national du Rhin, based in Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Colmar, combines classical opera, contemporary creations and shows for young audiences. The Opéra national de Lorraine, in Nancy, combines repertoire and stage innovations thanks to its permanent orchestra and choir. In Metz, the Opéra-Théâtre Métropole, one of the oldest in Europe, combines musical tradition with contemporary creation. In Champagne, the Opéra de Reims has an eclectic and accessible programme. The Ballet de l'Opéra national du Rhin, based in Mulhouse, embodies the region's choreographic excellence.

Ballet de Lorraine

CCN - Ballet de Lorraine - Nancy

The Centre Chorégraphique National - Ballet de Lorraine in Nancy is a major reference point for contemporary dance in France and Europe. Founded in the 1960s, it has made a name for itself through its artistic audacity and its openness to choreographers from all over the world. Its troupe, made up of dancers with varied backgrounds, explores a repertoire ranging from the great figures of the 20thᵉ century to the most innovative creations of our time.

Each season, Ballet de Lorraine presents shows that surprise with their scenic inventiveness, musical richness and subtle use of lighting. The company regularly collaborates with composers, visual artists and stage directors, building bridges between the arts.

Spectacle de Marionnettes

Cabaret and multidisciplinary shows: diversity

There's more to the Grand Est than its theatres and opera houses: the region also boasts an abundance of cabarets, unusual venues and multi-disciplinary stages. These spaces, often unique in France, combine several arts - music, dance, singing, circus, visual arts, equestrian arts - to create total shows where the stage becomes a place of wonder.

Le Paradis des Sources

Le Paradis des Sources - Alsace

In Alsace, the Paradis des Sources is much more than just a cabaret: it's a veritable institution of musical spectacle and top-of-the-range entertainment.
Nestling in an elegant setting inspired by the great Parisian music halls, this fully-equipped venue offers a complete experience combining gastronomy and the performing arts. The evening begins with a refined, carefully prepared dinner, before the curtain opens on a flamboyant revue.

Each year, a new original creation is presented, combining spectacular choreography, dazzling costumes, dance numbers, live singing, comedy and circus performances.

Théâtre Equestre de Champagne

Equestrian Theatre of Champagne

In Champagne, the Théâtre Équestre de Champagne offers a world apart, where the power of the horse meets the poetry of live performance. In a warm setting, designed to bring artists and spectators as close as possible, this venue celebrates the art of horsemanship through original creations. The shows feature riders and their mounts in choreographed acts combining acrobatics, dressage and acrobatics.
Each show tells a story, often inspired by legends or poetic tales, enhanced by music, lighting and immersive scenography.

The Grand Est: a land of arts and entertainment

The Grand Est is a region where artistic scenes contribute to the cultural development and richness of the region. Thanks to the many cultural venues and regional funding, new projects are created every year, led by teams of committed artists and professionals. Between shows, cultural activities and regional events, the region cultivates an art of living based on creativity, history and the diversity of the arts.

FAQ - Live performances in Eastern France

The region hosts many festivals and cultural seasons, including :

  • Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes - Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes)
  • Théâtre du Peuple season - Bussang (Vosges)
  • Season of the Opéra national du Rhin - Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar
  • Ballet de Lorraine season - Nancy
  • Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole season - Metz (Moselle)
  • Nuits de Champagne - Troyes (Aube)

...and many more to discover on Explore Grand Est, the living stage that puts the whole region in the spotlight.

Yes, a number of venues such as the Opéra national du Rhin, the TCM, Troyes Fois Plus and Scènes Vosges put on plays for children and families every year.

Yes, some institutions such as the Opéra national du Rhin, the Opéra de Reims and the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole offer guided tours, allowing you to discover the backstage areas and the history of the venues.