HISTORY
The Théâtre National de Strasbourg (TNS) was originally the Centre Dramatique de l'Est (founded in 1946) and, since 1968, has occupied a unique position in French theatre.
The TNS owes its special status to its history, which is closely intertwined with that of Alsace. It is one of five theatres that have been awarded the title of théâtre national, the others being the Comédie Française, the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe, the Théâtre national de la Colline and the Théâtre national de Chaillot, but is the only regional theatre out of the five (The other four are in Paris). However, the uniqueness of the Théâtre National de Strasbourg's status has always been its exceptional theatrical organisation. The theatre building is the permanent home for the theatre's permanent troupe, the Ecole Supérieure d'Art dramatique drama school (together with the Paris-based Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art dramatique they form the only two national drama schools in France), two auditoriums (the salle Bernard Marie Koltès and the salle Hubert Gignoux, completed during the renovation work carried out in 1996-97, with a third, smaller auditorium, the Studio Kablé located a few hundred of metres down the road), work and rehearsal rooms, administrative offices, scenery, costume and creation workshops. The TNS has a permanent staff of 96 persons.
The TNS' main vocation is that of creation. Located near to border to Germany, the TNS has both a historical and geographical leaning towards European theatre. On average, the TNS puts on 15 to 20 productions per season including 4 or 5 creations and revivals with its permanent troupe, and 3 or 4 co-productions. Guest productions by visiting companies are received every season, including some in other languages than French. All in all, there are about 150 - 200 performances in Strasbourg and another 50 to 100 on tour. Programming, both for house and guest productions, encourages contemporary theatre, including productions that may be based on classical texts. Final-year drama student workshops and productions are also performed at the TNS.
The drama school has been part of the theatre since 1954 and it is housed within the same premises and enjoys the same facilities. The school has a high professional, multidisciplinary curriculum and takes, two years out of three, a group of 22 or 25 students made up of actors, stage designers, stage managers and, since 2oo1, directors and "dramaturges".
