La Semaine de Cholet - Amateur Theatre Week

La Semaine de Cholet: The Amateur Theatre Celebration

For several years, Cholet has hosted a festival entirely dedicated to amateur theatre every spring. La Semaine de Cholet is a unique event of its kind, celebrating amateur theatrical practice in all its diversity and richness. A national selection of around ten artistic proposals, chosen from about fifty applications from all over France, is presented to the public of Cholet.

Three Highlights

The festival is structured around three highlights. Les Intégrales are the evening performances at the Théâtre Saint-Louis, where selected troupes present their creations or revivals to the public and a jury of professionals. Each performance is followed by a discussion with the artists. Les Impromptus offer a cabaret evening at the Jardin de Verre, in an intimate and friendly setting. Finally, La Folie Théâtrale brings together amateur actors for a unique collective creation, presented at the closing of the festival at the Interlude.

Workshops and Meetings

Beyond the performances, La Semaine de Cholet offers theatre practice workshops led by professionals: costume work, characterization, scenic material. Meetings with artists and performing arts professionals punctuate the week, offering amateurs real training and exchange time. Readings and exhibitions complete the program.

An Accessible and Friendly Festival

True to the spirit of amateur theatre, the festival offers very accessible ticketing, with many free events (opening performances, workshops, meetings, readings, exhibitions) and modest prices for the Intégrales shows. Artistic direction is provided by Camille de La Guillonnière and the actors of the Théâtre Régional des Pays de la Loire (TRPL).