For 20 years in Rennes, the Quartiers en Scène festival has brought live entertainment to the foot of buildings

Offering shows in the heart of neighborhoods, to residents who do not have the opportunity to attend places of culture. This is the philosophy that has driven the organizers and volunteers of this unique festival for two decades.

Quartiers en Scène was born in 2004 from the collaboration between the Patrick Cosnet Company and the Cercle Paul Bert, an important Rennes association established in 11 districts of the city, which offers a multitude of sporting and leisure activities and has no less than 13,000 members. The objective is to bring live entertainment to residents who never go to the theater, to concert halls, and more widely to places of culture, while using the association’s infrastructure.

“At the time, 90% of the population did not come to professional shows, which is important. So, we say to ourselves that there is a large population pool and we need to desecrate professional theater, and we need to get as close as possible to the people. This is how, for 20 years, we have set up rooms which are used for table tennis, dancing, basketball, or a room where old people from the neighborhood meet to play cards.“, says Jean-Claude Roger, one of the co-founders of the festival.

Theater, circus, concerts, dance, humor, puppets… There is something for all tastes and all audiences. Until March 29, nearly thirty shows are presented in a dozen locations, and at very reasonable prices. Creations by professional troupes but also amateurs, which is also part of the festival’s DNA. Just like the simplicity and conviviality, carried by the volunteers, many of whom have been present since the start of the adventure.

In 20 years, the Quartiers en Scène festival has welcomed 180 companies and offered nearly 300,000 live performance performances to around 55,000 spectators.

“Neighborhoods on Stage”, until March 29, 2024 in Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine). Information, program and tickets on the festival website.