It all started in the fall of 2016, when a collective of managers from Angers companies imagined creating a cooperative place so that artists from Angers could benefit from rehearsal and performance spaces.
5 years of studies, works and closures linked to COVID later, Les Folies Angevines are operational: 5 rooms, including a café-theatre room and a cabaret/concert room, and an eclectic program between musical comedy, theater , concert, DJ set and improvisation which regularly sells out.
“It’s a Marathon”, explains Kevin Martin, founder of the project. “There were ups and downs, and the situation tested all our nerves, but here it is: thanks to the solidarity of the team and a lot of sleepless nights, we got to the end of the project and it is already a great satisfaction! “.
Today, Les Folies Angevines is made up of 7 permanent employees, around twenty salaried teachers, volunteers, 400 members of the various artistic practice workshops, and partnerships with several local structures, such as the Académie Supérieure de Théâtre d’ Angers (ASTA) and the Angers Comedy Club.
But the road is still long: “The work done by the whole team to get there is enormous! Now, after several chaotic months of closures and restrictions, we have to find a balance and local artists have to take ownership of the place”. continues Kevin
Call for projects
The motto of the cooperative is clear: “Everyone has to find their place. » For it, “We must be able to meet the expectations of amateurs, students and professionals in the region. » Whether in the creative process (residencies and rehearsals) or in programming (festival for amateurs “Le Printemps des Folies” or professional programming.
All interested companies, artists and groups are therefore warmly invited to contact the Folies Angevines to find a way to work together: direction@lesfolies.coop
Focus on creation
“2022-2023 will be the year of creation”. After the success of the musical Chicago, the “made in Folies” creation which is currently playing until February, “everything is in place to pursue and develop in-house projects in partnership with professionals. » Again, if you are an experienced actor or singer, make yourself known and be on the lookout!
