Théâtre Gérard Philipe

The Theatre opens its doors to you from September to May with a rich programme of 12 to 14 shows per season. Andy Luna, programme manager for the cultural season, prepares each edition one to two years in advance.

“I’m constantly on the lookout for new talent, so I’m always on the lookout for new things I’d like the public to discover. As far as possible, I try to see the shows in person. Failing that, I work on the basis of a recording: the artistic agent sends me the video of the show so that I can watch it.

We organise meetings with other programmers in Savoie to exchange ideas and share visits. For example, for companies based outside the region, we try to coordinate several dates in the department to limit their travel and organise a real Savoie tour for them. I also go to the Avignon Festival, an exceptional breeding ground for new talent. Once a booking has been made, I stay in close contact with the actors for many months. The aim is to put them at ease well before their arrival, to show them that they are expected and that everything is ready to welcome them in the best possible conditions.

On the day of the show, the excitement spreads backstage. “The actors arrive on the day. I welcome them as soon as they arrive, they get to see the dressing rooms and we make sure they’re as comfortable as possible,” explains Andy.

Then it’s time for the technical stuff: meeting the team, setting up the set, sound checks, lighting adjustments and rehearsals. Did you know? A lift goes straight down to the dressing rooms… and while some artists avoid it out of superstition (or fear of getting stuck in it!), everyone has their own preparation ritual. Some artists gather in the dressing room to concentrate, while others prefer to stroll around town to unwind before the curtain rises.

Once dressed in costume and make-up, the artists take their places 5 minutes before the show begins. After the show, depending on their personalities, some of the actors come back to the hall to chat with their audience and share a moment of conviviality.

The team behind the scenes: for each show, 5 members of the town’s entertainment department work backstage:

• 1 lighting technician & 1 sound technician
• 1 ticket agent
• 1 receptionist & 1 security guard

Culture for all
“Here in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the town council is committed to making culture available to everyone. We have put in place an appropriate range of prices. A €20 season ticket entitles the holder to €10 per show.

Residencies: Creation on the move
What is a residency? It’s when the Theatre makes itself available to a company so that it can create or finalise its show. “We host 2 or 3 residencies a year, which may involve writing or set design. These moments are also shared with the town’s schoolchildren. By meeting the actors and directors, the pupils learn about the show business and what goes on behind the scenes. It’s an ideal way of demystifying the theatre and showing that culture is accessible to all. All the actors we invite are accessible, even those who play in the biggest theatres.