Theatre in Geneva

While the Théâtre Le Poche and the Pitoëff were built at the end of the 1940s, the oldest theatre in the city is the Comédie de Genève which will soon move into a new, modern home. Opening its doors in 2020 in the district of Eaux-Vives, the Nouvelle Comédie boasts two auditoriums, rehearsal rooms as well as scenery and costume production workshops. The two auditoriums of the Théâtre du Grütli are housed in the Maison des arts du Grütli, inaugurated in 1989, and serve up a programme combining classic and contemporary offerings.

Stages great and small

The public can choose between the decor and imposing architecture of venues, such as the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices (BFM) or the Grand Théâtre, and the charm of a more intimate atmosphere in smaller buildings such as the Théâtre de la Parfumerie, the Galpon and the Théâtre de l'Usine. These last two venues specialise in versatile and highly dynamic formats prioritising the performance and a certain proximity between the audience and the artists. Growing out of the effervescence of a community centre, the Théâtre de Saint Gervais has been a staunch proponent of contemporary theatrical creation since the 1960s.

Much to the delight of young theatre-goers, the Théâtre Am Stram Gram and the Théâtre des Marionnettes create an annual programme adapted to their sensibilities while the Théâtre du Loup often hosts plays by and for teenagers.

There are also numerous venues such as the Théâtre de Grottes, the Casino Théâtre, the Salons and the Théâtre de la Cité Bleue which do not have their own programme as such, but which rent their stage out to outside troupes. Some community centres, in particular those in la Jonction, Saint-Jean and les Pâquis, can also host shows or other cultural events.

The Fédération d’Improvisation Genevoise organises theatre improvisation battles as well as free introductory classes in the art of improvisation.

Theatre during the summer

During the summer season, the city’s inhabitants can also take advantage of the Théâtre de l'Orangerie located in Parc La Grange beside two greenhouses, a fairytale setting where the public can recover from the emotion of the performances.

Fête du théâtre

Every autumn since 2013, Geneva has hosted the Fête du Théâtre, which builds on the existing synergies between the different cultural stakeholders to offer a pertinent and engaging vision of modern-day theatre.

Reduced prices and access measures

The City of Geneva, in collaboration with a network of partners, provides different target groups with financial and accompaniment measures designed to facilitate access to cultural happenings in Geneva.

Certain theatres and festivals participate in the cultural cheque book, which enables people with low incomes to take advantage of the cultural offer.

Tickets at reduced rates for senior citizens are available from certain partner theatres.

The 20ans/20 francs card offers young people access to shows at reduced rates.

For permanently or temporarily handicapped people, the City also proposes access measures, such as surtitles in some of the theatres around the city.