Festival WET

Festival WET: Young Creation in Full Swing in Tours

Festival WET is a singular theatrical event held annually in March at the Théâtre Olympia, Centre Dramatique National de Tours. Created in 2016, this festival is entirely conceived and programmed by the Jeune Troupe of the Théâtre Olympia, a collective of eight passionate artists who scout festivals and emerging stages to build a vibrant and audacious program. A festival welcoming emerging artists programmed by their peers: this formula is unprecedented in France.

The Jeune Troupe in Charge

The fundamental originality of Festival WET lies in its programming method. The Jeune Troupe of Théâtre Olympia handles all artistic direction, from selecting shows to organizing meetings. These young artists, themselves creators and performers, bring a fresh and sharp perspective to contemporary creation. Their intimate knowledge of the artistic milieu and their insatiable curiosity guarantee a demanding, surprising program that is directly in touch with the most current trends in the theatrical scene.

A Highlight Around the Spring Equinox

The festival traditionally takes place on the last weekend of March, coinciding with the spring equinox, a symbol of energy, renewal, and promise. For three days, the Théâtre Olympia and its adjacent spaces transform into a hub of artistic effervescence, featuring a succession of shows, performances, meetings, and exchange moments between artists and the public.

A European Dimension

Since its 9th edition in 2025, Festival WET has opened up to a European dimension by hosting shows from an invited country as part of the Temps Fort Europe. This international opening enriches the program and allows the audience in Tours to discover artistic forms from elsewhere, creating bridges between emerging European scenes. Italy was the first country invited in this framework, with the presentation of plays by young Italian directors.

Théâtre Olympia: A CDN Serving Young Creation

The Théâtre Olympia, Centre Dramatique National de Tours, is a major venue for theatrical creation in Centre-Val de Loire. By hosting Festival WET and supporting the Jeune Troupe, the CDN affirms its commitment to artistic emergence and the renewal of forms. The festival benefits from the theater's technical infrastructure and expertise, offering the programmed young artists optimal professional conditions to present their creations.