Courts en Scène Festival

Courts en Scène: Amateur Theater in Short Form

The Courts en Scène Festival is an original event dedicated to amateur theater in the form of short presentations. Hosted by the Espace Pierre Bachelet in Dammarie-les-Lys, it offers an evening during which six amateur theater companies take turns on stage to present 10 to 15-minute excerpts from their creations. This original format allows the public to discover a panorama of amateur theatrical creation in Seine-et-Marne and Île-de-France in a single evening.

The Espace Pierre Bachelet: A Professional Showcase for Amateurs

The Espace Pierre Bachelet (EPB) is the largest performance hall in Seine-et-Marne, with a capacity of 1,600 seats. Located in Dammarie-les-Lys, in the Melun agglomeration, this modern cultural venue hosts professional shows year-round—concerts, theater, comedy, dance—as well as events like the Courts en Scène Festival. For amateur companies, performing in a venue of this scale, equipped with professional technical equipment (lighting, sound, stage machinery), is an exceptional experience and a true springboard.

An Innovative Format: The Short Form

The concept of Courts en Scène is based on the short format: each company has 10 to 15 minutes to present an excerpt from its show, a striking scene, or an original creation. This format requires the troupes to engage in a demanding exercise of synthesis—capturing the audience's attention in a few minutes—and offers spectators a fast-paced and varied evening, without dead time.

The genres represented are diverse: comedy, drama, classical theater, contemporary theater, improvisation, musical theater, or sketches. This diversity reflects the richness of amateur theatrical practice in Seine-et-Marne.

A Springboard for Amateur Companies

For the six selected companies, participating in the Courts en Scène Festival represents an exceptional opportunity for visibility. Performing on the Espace Pierre Bachelet stage in front of a large audience allows them to showcase their work, gain exposure to audience reactions, and meet other troupes. The festival thus fosters exchanges between companies and contributes to the dynamism of amateur theatrical life in the department.

A Festive and Friendly Evening

Beyond the performances, Courts en Scène is a moment of friendliness and sharing. The audience, often composed of members of the various troupes, families, and theater enthusiasts, experiences an evening rich in emotions and discoveries. The atmosphere is warm, the applause hearty, and the exchanges between troupes and spectators continue after the show.