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| Fédération Française de Théâtre Amateur | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fédération Française de Théâtre Amateur |
| Native name | Fédération Française de Théâtre Amateur |
| Formation | 1948 |
| Type | Non-profit association |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Region served | France |
| Language | French |
Fédération Française de Théâtre Amateur is a national umbrella association for amateur theatrical practice in France linking regional federations, municipal theatres, and local troupes. It operates within the French cultural landscape alongside institutions such as the Ministry of Culture (France), the Centre national du théâtre, and the Comédie-Française to support community theatre, heritage drama, and contemporary playwriting. The federation interacts with festivals, municipal networks, and European partners including Cultura 21, European Theatre Convention, and the Council of Europe cultural bodies.
The federation was founded in the post‑war period with contemporaries like André Malraux, the Comédie-Française, and municipal theatres in cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Early relationships were formed with organizations including the Fédération des Maisons des Jeunes et de la Culture, the Confédération nationale des associations familiales catholiques, and amateur networks in regions like Brittany, Normandy, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. During the 1960s and 1970s it engaged with reform movements linked to the May 1968 events in France, collaborations with the Théâtre National Populaire, and exchanges with international bodies such as the British Council and the Goethe-Institut. Later decades saw partnerships with the Institut Français, the DRAC (Direction régionale des affaires culturelles), and European projects supported by the European Union cultural programmes.
The federation’s mission aligns with goals advanced by the Ministry of Culture (France), the UNESCO cultural diversity agenda, and the European Commission cultural policy to promote access to theatre in towns like Nantes, Toulouse, and Strasbourg. Activities include coordination with training institutions such as the Conservatoire national supérieur d'art dramatique, exchanges with companies like Théâtre du Rond-Point, and resource sharing with venues such as the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe. The federation provides accreditation used by municipal authorities in Rouen and Grenoble, develops programmes analogous to those of the Maison de la Culture, and liaises with foundations including the Fondation de France and the Fondation Royaumont.
The governance model echoes structures seen in organizations like the Fédération Française de Rugby and the Fédération Française de Football with an elected board, committees, and regional delegations in areas such as Île-de-France, Occitanie, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Administrative headquarters cooperate with bodies including the Association des Maires de France and regional cultural directorates like the DRAC Île-de-France. Legal frameworks referenced include laws on association status from the French Civil Code and nonprofit practice recognized by the Prefecture of Police (Paris). The federation organizes working groups on dramaturgy, scenography, and youth outreach in collaboration with schools like the École supérieure d'art dramatique and research centres such as the CNRS cultural units.
Membership comprises local troupes in towns like Dijon, Metz, and Le Havre; amateur companies with links to venues such as the Théâtre de la Ville; and regional federations including counterparts in Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire. Affiliated groups include historical societies like the Société des Amis du Théâtre, youth organisations such as the Scouts et Guides de France, and cultural associations similar to the Fédération Française de Danse. Individual members have professional ties to schools like the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional and to festivals including the Festival d'Avignon and the Festival d'Automne à Paris.
The federation coordinates programming at events akin to the Festival d'Avignon, regional showcases in Clermont-Ferrand and Angers, and competitions modeled on national contests promoted by the Académie française and the Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques (SACD). It runs training sessions with pedagogues associated with institutions such as the Conservatoire national supérieur d'art dramatique, masterclasses hosted by companies like Théâtre du Soleil, and exchanges modeled on residencies at the Cité internationale des arts. Youth and amateur awards are presented in venues including the Opéra Bastille and local municipal stages, while touring support is coordinated with networks like the Réseau des Scènes Nationales.
The federation publishes guides, play anthologies, and pedagogical materials similar to publications by the Centre national du livre and the SACD, and distributes resources through libraries such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France and regional archives in Bordeaux and Lille. It produces newsletters referencing repertoire from playwrights like Molière, Jean Racine, Samuel Beckett, and Jean Anouilh, and compiles directories comparable to those of the Centre national du théâtre. Educational packs are developed with partners including the Éducation nationale and professional unions like the Syndicat National des Metteurs en Scène.
The federation’s impact is visible in municipal cultural policies in cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, and Strasbourg, recognition by institutions including the Ministry of Culture (France) and awards from bodies like the SACD and regional cultural councils. Its work has influenced programming at national theatres such as the Théâtre National de Chaillot and international exchanges with organisations including the British Council, the Goethe-Institut, and the Institut Français. Former members and collaborators have gone on to careers at institutions like the Comédie-Française, the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe, and in film at studios such as Cinécittà and production houses tied to the CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée).
Category:Theatre in France Category:Arts organizations based in France