Festival Actes

Festival Actes: When Performing Arts Open the Doors to Inclusion

The Festival Actes – Performing Arts and Differences is a unique cultural event supported by the association Théâtre Épidaure, based in Bouloire, Sarthe. This festival, held annually in June in Allonnes, embodies a deep conviction: art is a powerful vehicle for social inclusion and encounters between audiences. It showcases performances created by residents of specialized establishments in collaboration with professional artists.

An ECRIN-Labeled Cultural Project

The Festival Actes is part of the ACTES Project (Arts, Culture, Territory, Education, Solidarity), an ambitious program for artistic practice and access to live performance for people with disabilities. Labeled ECRIN in 2024 by the Pays de la Loire Region, this project connects residents and professionals from various specialized establishments (IME, ESAT, residential care homes, reception centers) throughout the year through theater, dance, music, and singing workshops led by professional artists.

Three Days of Performances and Encounters

For three days in June, the Festival Actes presents the public with the twelve performances created during the year in partner establishments. Theater, dance, music, singing, clowning: the artistic forms are varied, and the productions demonstrate genuine creative work. The festival also offers discovery days with workshops, meetings between professional and amateur artists, and moments of sharing around live performance.

A Free Festival Open to All

True to its mission of accessibility, the Festival Actes is free and open to all audiences. It mainly takes place at the Salle Jean Carmet and in other cultural venues in Allonnes, such as L'Excelsior and La Fonderie. The closing performance often features an invited professional company, such as the Compagnie Choc Trio with their show Les Bruits du noir, or the group Bad Fat, which blends jazz, rap, and electronic music. A festive moment celebrating the richness of human diversity.