Comedie de Caen

What Comedie de Caen does

Comédie de Caen, branded as CDN de Normandie, is a French Centre Dramatique National (CDN) founded in 1969 and headquartered in Hérouville-Saint-Clair, Normandy. The institution operates as a cooperative (SA SCOP) and is publicly funded through a multi-source subsidy stack comprising the French Ministry of Culture via DRAC Normandie, the Ville de Caen, the Ville d'Hérouville Saint-Clair, the Conseil Régional de Normandie, and the Conseil Général du Calvados (ODACC). It runs two physical venues — the Théâtre d'Hérouville and the Théâtre des Cordes — and programs theater, circus (including the SPRING festival), concerts, readings, marionette performances, and accessibility-focused shows for disabled audiences, complemented by workshops and a theâtrothèque archive.

Its business model combines institutional public subsidies (the dominant revenue stream) with diversified earned revenue from individual ticket sales (€8-25), subscription packages (€54-240), and workshop fees. The CDN designation creates a regulated barrier to entry and anchors a stable, multi-decade funding base. Programming is supported by an extensive co-production and partner-venue network that spans national institutions (Festival d'Avignon, Comédie de Reims, Théâtre de Caen, Le Volcan, Café des Images) and international partners in Belgium, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Audience reach spans the regional Normandy population, with international exposure delivered via co-productions and touring.

The cooperative legal form and 11-50 employee headcount situate the institution in the mid-scale segment of French national theaters. Strategic priorities evident from recent seasons include vertical expansion into circus arts, deepening audience accessibility, and sustaining international artistic exchange. Direction of publication is held by Aurore Fattier.

Name

Comedie de Caen

Legal name

Comédie de Caen - CDN de Normandie

Website

https://comediedecaen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Comédie de Caen is a French Centre Dramatique National (CDN) founded in 1969, operating two venues in Normandy and programming theater, circus, concerts, readings, and workshops for the general public, funded primarily by multi-source public subsidies and earned ticket revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts / Live Theater

NAICS

Performing Arts Companies (7111), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

Keywords

• Live theater performances
• Performing arts venue
• Theatrical subscription packages
• Artistic practice workshops
• Contemporary circus productions

Headquarters

HQ city

Hérouville-saint-clair

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket sales: Individual performance tickets sold at full, reduced, and special rates to the general public attending theatrical performances, circus, concerts, and other programming.
2. Subscription packages: Seasonal subscription packages offering 3, 5, or 7+ performances at discounted per-ticket rates, with the Pass Intégral at 240€ allowing payment over 8 months.
3. Workshop and practice fees: Fees collected for artistic practice workshops including small workshops, weekend workshops with artists, and the 'À toi de jouer' weekly atelier for youth aged 15-25.
4. Venue partnerships: Revenue from partner venue ticket partnerships including performances at Café des Images, Théâtre de Caen, and Le Volcan.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Comédie de Caen is a Centre Dramatique National (CDN) operating two venues in Normandy — Théâtre d'Hérouville and Théâtre des Cordes — where it presents live theatrical performances, circus, concerts, puppetry, readings, and meetings. The institution sells individual tickets and seasonal subscription packages (3, 5, 7+ shows, and Pass Intégral), runs artistic practice workshops for youth, families, and adults, and offers accessibility services including audiodescription, French Sign Language (LSF), tactile visits, and vibrating vests for disabled audiences. Revenue is supplemented by public subsidies from the Ministry of Culture, regional, and local authorities.

Product overview

Comedie de Caen is a Centre Dramatique National (CDN) - a national dramatic center and performing arts institution in Normandy, France. The organization operates as a single unified theater entity offering live performances, productions, and audience engagement activities. Its core offering consists of theatrical productions and performances, including circus, concerts, theater, puppetry, readings, and performances. The institution operates two primary venues: the Theatre d'Herouville and the Theatre des Cordes, both accessible to people with reduced mobility. Supporting offerings include the theatrotheque (a theater library with over 20 years of play discoveries), accessibility tools and services for disabled audiences, and artistic practice workshops. The theater also partners with external venues and co-produces with other French and international theaters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Seasonal Theatrical Programming Year-round season (e.g., 2026-2027) of live theater, circus, concerts, puppetry, readings, and performances presented at Théâtre d'Hérouville and Théâtre des Cordes for the general public.
• Subscription Packages Seasonal subscription formulas offering 3, 5, or 7+ shows at discounted per-ticket rates, plus the Pass Intégral at 240€ (payable in 8 monthly installments) for unlimited access to the season.
• À toi de jouer Atelier Weekly Monday theater practice workshop ('À toi de jouer') directed by an associated artist, running October to May for youth aged 15-25. Annual fee 230€, includes a 3-show subscription.
• Petit Ateliers (Family Workshops) Parent-child creative workshops tied to family performances, including 'Guillaume & Harold' and 'Longtemps, je me suis couché de bonne heure'. Priced at 10€ per adult and child plus 5€ per additional child.
• Weekend Artistic Practice Workshops Weekend practice sessions with professional artists, priced at 20€ per person, for participants seeking guided artistic development.
• Accessibility Services for Disabled Audiences Services including audiodescription for visually impaired audiences, French Sign Language (LSF) interpretation, vibrating vests, and tactile visits accompanying select performances.
• Théâtrothèque Online theater library resource providing access to theatrical texts selected by reading committees since 2003, serving theater professionals and enthusiasts.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Café des ImagescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for family-friendly programming. Café des Images offers reduced-rate tickets (4.5€ ultra-reduced) to Comédie de Caen ticket holders, and Comédie de Caen offers reduced theater tickets to cinema-goers (15€). Also hosts some workshops and performances.
• Théâtre de CaencoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner venue offering reduced-rate tickets (13€ and 24€) for select Comédie de Caen performances. Part of cross-venue audience sharing arrangement.
• Le Volcan - Scène nationale du HavrecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner venue offering reduced-rate tickets (5€ to 29€) for select performances including 'Poussières' by Yann Frisch. Part of regional cultural network.
• Théâtre Les TanneurscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Dimanche' by Focus and Chaliwaté companies. Belgian theater collaborating on international performing arts productions.
• Théâtre de NamurcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. Belgian theater involved in international co-productions.
• Maison de la Culture de Tournai/Maison de la créationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. Belgian cultural institution involved in the creation and production of contemporary performances.
• Le Sablier - Ifs (FR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. Regional partner in the production network.
• Arts and Ideas New Haven (Etats-Unis)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational coproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. US-based arts organization.
• Adelaïde Festival (Australie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational coproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. Australian festival.
• Auckland Arts Festival (Nouvelle-Zélande)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational coproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. New Zealand arts festival.
• Théâtre VictorHugo de BagneuxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. French theater contributing to the production network.
• La Coop asblminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Dimanche'. Belgian cultural organization.
• Fédération Wallonie-BruxellescoreOthersInstitutional supporter of 'Dimanche' through Service du Cirque, des Arts Forains et de la Rue and Loterie Nationale.
• SPRING - festival international des nouvelles formes de cirque en NormandiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SPRING festival for 'Hyperboles' by Coline Garcia/Compagnie SCoM. Regional circus festival showcasing new circus forms.
• OUEST - Pôle international de Production et Diffusion NormandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduction partnership for 'Longtemps, je me suis couché de bonne heure'. Normandy-based international production and diffusion network.
• OASES - Collection tout-terraincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelegating production entity for 'Guillaume & Harold'. Center choreographic national collection in Normandy.
• Chorège CDCN Falaise NormandieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Guillaume & Harold'. Centre de Développement Chorégraphique National in Normandy.
• Comédie – CDN de ReimscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead production for 'Marie Stuart'. Major French dramatic national center coproducing with CDN de Normandie.
• Théâtre National de Bretagne, RennesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Marie Stuart'. Major national theater in Brittany.
• Nouveau Théâtre de Besançon Centre dramatique nationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Marie Stuart'. Atelier decor built at Besançon workshops.
• Dispositif 'les grands plateaux' - Territoires de cirquescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network of 14 national circus poles supporting 'Hyperboles' by Compagnie SCoM.
• Archaos - PNC MarseilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Hyperboles'. National Circus Pole in Marseille.
• Cirque Théâtre d'Elbeuf (76)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Hyperboles'. National Circus Pole in Normandy.
• École Nationale de cirque de ChâtelleraultminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution for 'Hyperboles'. National circus school.
• Centre Dramatique National Orléans / Centre-Val de LoirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead production for 'Affaires familiales'. Major dramatic national center initiating the production with Compagnie John Corporation.
• Festival d'AvignoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Affaires familiales'. Major international theater festival.
• Points communs - Nouvelle Scène nationale de Cergy-PontoiseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for 'Affaires familiales'. National stage in Greater Paris area.
• Compagnie John CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiating company for 'Affaires familiales'. Conventionnée by DRAC Île-de-France and Région Île-de-France.
• Librairie Le Brouillon de CultureminorOthersPartnership for 'À midi c'est Comédie' event with Vincent Dedienne. Local cultural bookstore collaborating on post-show encounters.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Théâtre National Populaire (TNP) Villeurbanne: One of France's five national theaters (TNP), larger and more established than a CDN but with overlapping CDN-style programming, subsidy structure, and touring production activity.

Direct peers

• Points communs - Nouvelle Scène nationale de Cergy-Pontoise: Scène nationale serving Greater Paris region; active coproduction partner on 'Affaires familiales' with directly comparable mission, multi-venue operations, and public funding structure.
• Centre Dramatique National Orléans / Centre-Val de Loire: Direct CDN counterpart in another French region; lead coproducer for 'Affaires familiales' and structurally identical to Comédie de Caen in mission, funding mix, and venue operations.
• Comédie - CDN de Reims: Another French Centre Dramatique National with comparable CDN status, subsidy model, and multi-venue operations; an active coproduction partner for 'Marie Stuart', making it a directly comparable peer institution.
• Le Volcan - Scène nationale du Havre: Scène nationale in Normandy offering reduced-rate cross-venue ticketing with Comédie de Caen; same regional cultural network and similar publicly-funded performing arts programming model.
• Théâtre National de Bretagne: Major French national theater with CDN-equivalent status; active coproduction partner on 'Marie Stuart' and operates similar multi-venue theatrical programming, subscription model, and public funding structure.
• Théâtre Dijon Bourgogne CDN: French CDN with comparable institutional scale, multi-venue programming, and public subsidy dependency; operates a similar season-based subscription model in its regional market.
• Nouveau Théâtre de Besançon Centre dramatique national: French CDN with comparable scope and public funding model; coproduction partner providing the production workshop for 'Marie Stuart' — directly comparable in scale and operations.

Regional players

• SPRING - Festival international des nouvelles formes de cirque en Normandie: Regional contemporary circus festival in Normandy; an active programming partner for 'Hyperboles' by Compagnie SCoM and 'Hyperboles' skate-circus fusion work, sharing overlapping audiences and artists.

Emerging players

• Café des Images: Local Hérouville cultural venue and active channel partner offering mutual reduced-rate ticketing with Comédie de Caen; complementary smaller-scale programming partner rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ComedieCaen
• Facebookfacebook.com/comediedecaen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Comedie de Caen