Coup de Théâtre

Coup de Théâtre: Open-Air Theatre Conquers Annecy

Created in 2012 by the company Agitateurs de Rêves, Coup de Théâtre was born from a simple and strong conviction: theatre must leave the halls to meet the public in public spaces. Every September, this festival transforms the streets, squares, schoolyards, and parks of the Annecy region into ephemeral stages for high-quality professional performances.

In a decade, the festival has established itself as the major theatrical event of the Annecy cultural season. Its program skillfully blends daring contemporary creations, revisited adaptations of classic texts, and shows accessible to the youngest audiences, in an atmosphere of proximity and conviviality.

Shows in Unusual Locations

One of Coup de Théâtre's hallmarks is the choice of unexpected performance venues. Shows take place in schoolyards, private gardens, public squares, urban wastelands, or natural spaces, each time creating a unique relationship between the work, the actors, and the audience. This approach of theatre outside the walls reaches audiences who do not usually attend theatre performances.

A Demanding and Accessible Program

Each edition offers about ten shows carefully selected by the artistic team. The invited companies, from all over France, present original creations or acclaimed revivals in various genres: text-based theatre, physical theatre, object theatre, clowning, puppetry. The program gives pride of place to young audiences and families, with shows accessible from the age of 10.

A Festival Rooted in the Territory

Coup de Théâtre is not limited to the city of Annecy: the festival extends throughout the Annecy region, offering performances in several surrounding towns. This territorial dimension strengthens the festival's local roots and allows it to reach a diverse audience, beyond the usual circles of performing arts.

The festival is supported by the company Agitateurs de Rêves, with the backing of the City of Annecy, the Department of Haute-Savoie, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, and the DRAC. It brings together a team of committed volunteers and benefits from partnerships with cultural institutions in the area, notably Bonlieu Scène nationale.