Theater Aan de Slinger

What Theater Aan de Slinger does

Theater Aan de Slinger is a non-profit cultural center operated by Stichting Aan de Slinger, a Dutch ANBI-status foundation established approximately in 2012 and headquartered at De Slinger 40 in Houten, Netherlands. The venue functions as the city's designated cultuurconcentratie (cultural concentration), combining a main Theaterzaal, a Kleine Zaal, and a foyer in the Houten city center, and delivers multidisciplinary programming (theater, film, music, dance, cabaret, and education) to a primary catchment of 50,000+ residents in Houten and the surrounding Utrecht region. Its portfolio spans live performances, four-to-five film screenings per week, an extensive Theaterschool (theater school) for ages 6 through adult, signature festivals (Gluren bij de Buren, Korenfestival, Wijkexpeditie, Buitenbioscoop, BluesNight), and targeted inclusive initiatives such as Kunst door de Brievenbus (art by mail for seniors) and the Huisgezelschap development trajectory for people with intellectual disabilities. The organization is led by directeur/bestuurder Arjen Berendse, governed by an onbezoldigd (unpaid) Raad van Toezicht, and operates with approximately ten to fifteen paid staff plus a volunteer base of ~80 individuals spanning reception, box office, programming, promotion, and governance. Technology footprint is standard: digital projection, audiovisual equipment (including Stumpfl), and the third-party ActiveTickets online ticketing platform; no proprietary technology is disclosed.

Revenue is generated across five streams: ticket sales priced €5.50–€30 depending on performance and audience category; theater school subscriptions of €220–€440 per season; venue rental for external productions and corporate events (custom quote); Theatervrienden and Filmfan membership programs collected via automatic bank transfer; and government and cultural-funder subsidies from Gemeente Houten, Provincie Utrecht, Fonds Podiumkunsten, Cultuurfonds, KF Hein Fonds, Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, and others. Distribution channels combine an always-on self-serve online ticket platform, an on-site and phone-based box office, venue rental direct sales, and third-party partnerships (Cineville for film, We Are Public for culture-pass members). Customer segments span general community members, children and youth enrolled in theater education, seniors served through accessibility programs, people with disabilities participating in inclusive projects, and corporate or private event renters. The operating model is community-led, event-driven, and direct-to-consumer, anchored by a dense partnership network including Cultuurpunt Houten, Houtense Cultuurtafel, local schools, PlusBus Houten (free senior transport), Reinaerde Houten, and Stichting Leergeld Houten.

Name

Theater Aan de Slinger

Legal name

Stichting Aan de Slinger

Website

https://aandeslinger.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Theater Aan de Slinger is a non-profit cultural center in Houten, Netherlands, operated by Stichting Aan de Slinger. It delivers theater, film, festival, and education programming across Houten and the wider Utrecht region, serving residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts & Cultural Venue Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins) (512131)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL), Theater & Performing Arts Ticketing (HSACALAC)

Keywords

• Performing arts venue
• Theater education
• Cultural programming
• Film screenings
• Community arts center

Headquarters

HQ city

Houten

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticket sales for theater performances, films, concerts, and events. Ticket prices range from approximately €5.50 to €30 depending on performance type and audience category.
2. Theater School Courses: Annual courses for children, youth, and adults in theater and performance arts. Prices range from €220-€440 per season depending on course type and duration.
3. Venue Rental: Theater space and venue rental for external productions, corporate events, and private functions.
4. Membership Programs: Theatervrienden (Theater Friends) and Filmfan membership programs with automatic bank collection for recurring donations/membership fees.
5. Government Subsidies and Cultural Funds: Funding from Municipality Houten, Province Utrecht, and various cultural funds including Fonds Podiumkunsten, Cultuurfonds, and KF Hein Fonds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Theater Aan de Slinger operates a multidisciplinary cultural venue in Houten city center delivering live theater performances (cabaret, dance, drama, music), arthouse film screenings 4–5 times per week, theater education (Theaterschool) for ages 6+, and recurring community festivals (Gluren bij de Buren, Wijkexpeditie, Buitenbioscoop, Korenfestival, BluesNight). It also rents its theaterzaal and kleine zaal to external producers and offers a free foyer co-working space, with all programming sold direct-to-consumer via an online ticketing platform and physical box office.

Product overview

Theater Aan de Slinger is a cultural center/theater venue operating as a single unified offering with multiple connected services. The core offering comprises live theater performances and film screenings at its Theaterzaal and Kleine Zaal venues. Adjacent services include Theaterschool Aan de Slinger (theater education for ages 6+), an online ticket booking system, venue rental, and flexible workspace in the foyer. The theater also hosts recurring festivals and projects including Gluren bij de Buren (house concerts), Wijkexpeditie (location theater expeditions), Buitenbioscoop (outdoor cinema), Korenfestival (choir festival), and BluesNight. Cultural programs for seniors include Kunst door de Brievenbus (art by mail) and community initiatives like Cultuurpunt Houten. The venue also offers a seasonal brochure and newsletter for patron engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Theaterschool Aan de Slinger: Youth and adult theater school offering courses and productions
• Jeugdtheaterschool Aan de Slinger
• Buitenbioscoop
• Gluren bij de Buren
• Wijkexpeditie
• Kunst door de Brievenbus
• Korenfestival

Products and services

• Theater Performances & Shows
• Film Screenings
• Theaterschool Aan de Slinger
• Kunst door de Brievenbus
• Gluren bij de Buren
• Wijkexpeditie
• Buitenbioscoop (Outdoor Cinema)
• Venue Rental
• Korenfestival
• BluesNight
• Op weg naar een HUISGEZELSCHAP

Quantifiable outcome

• Wijkexpeditie events rated 5 stars by visitors
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Gemeente Houten (Municipality Houten)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary government partner providing operational support and funding. Municipality is key stakeholder in cultural programming and community development initiatives.
• Provincie Utrecht (Province Utrecht)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial government providing funding and support for cultural initiatives including Wijkexpeditie and other regional cultural projects.
• Stichting !MPACT HoutenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatform for sustainable entrepreneurship. Theater Aan de Slinger serves as ambassador for sustainable business practices.
• CinevillecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFilm membership program providing unlimited cinema access. Theater participates in Cineville Previewdagen and regular programming.
• We Are PublicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCultural membership organization offering free access to selected performances for monthly fee.
• Jeugdtheaterschool Aan de SlingercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth theater school providing theater education and training for children and teenagers in Houten.
• Cultuurmakelaar HoutencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural broker service housed at Aan de Slinger, connecting residents with cultural opportunities and supporting cultural participation.
• Houtense CultuurtafelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative table bringing together cultural organizations to promote culture in Houten. Aan de Slinger is a permanent partner.
• Stichting Leergeld HoutenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting equal learning opportunities for children. Collaborates on benefiet concerts and financial support for theater school enrollment.
• CSUminorOthersCleaning and facility services partner for theater operations.
• Reinaerde HoutenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare organization for people with disabilities. Partner in Huisgezelschap theatrical program.
• Deksels LekkerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatering partner (huiscateraar) supporting events and hospitality operations.
• PlusBus HoutenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal transportation service providing free transport for seniors to cultural events like Wijkexpeditie.
• Herfststukjes ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint youth theater project with Stadsschouwburg Utrecht, Theater Kikker, Podium Hoge Woerd, and other regional theaters during autumn vacation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Filmtheater 't Hoogt: Art-house cinema and cultural venue in Utrecht programming independent and arthouse films, with cafe and small-stage events. Comparable to Aan de Slinger's film screening component (4–5x/week) and Cineville partnership.
• Verkadefabriek: Mixed cultural venue in 's-Hertogenbosch combining theater, film, music, education, and food & beverage under one roof. Closely analogous operating model to Aan de Slinger's multidisciplinary programming and venue-rental-plus-FOH approach.
• Schouwburg Amstelveen: Municipal theater in Amstelveen presenting mixed theater, music, dance, and family programming with education and community outreach. Closely comparable regional Dutch theater model with municipal funding, education programs, and community focus.
• Cineville: Dutch film subscription service giving members access to art-house and independent films across partner cinemas. Comparable to Aan de Slinger's film programming strategy — Aan de Slinger is itself a Cineville partner venue, making Cineville both an alliance and a directly comparable subscription-driven cinema model.
• Theater Kikker: Utrecht-based theater presenting contemporary dance, theater, and music, with strong education and talent-development programs. Direct peer to Aan de Slinger — both operate mixed theater/film programming, partner through the Herfststukjes Consortium youth project, and target similar Dutch audiences.
• Stadsschouwburg Utrecht: Main municipal theater of Utrecht presenting large-scale theater, cabaret, dance, and youth programming. Direct peer operating a similar performing-arts-and-education model in the same province, and an explicit partner in Aan de Slinger's Herfststukjes Consortium.
• Podium Hoge Woerd: Regional theater in Woerden (also Utrecht Province) presenting theater, music, film, and educational programming for local communities. Closely comparable operating model to Aan de Slinger — multidisciplinary programming, government-funded, community-focused — and an explicit partner in the Herfststukjes Consortium.
• Springhaver Theater & Cinemas: Utrecht-based cultural venue combining art-house cinema with theater programming. Directly comparable to Aan de Slinger's blend of film screenings, theater performances, and community-driven programming in the same Utrecht region.

Broad incumbents

• Luxor Theater: Large-scale Rotterdam theater presenting mainstream theater, music, and family entertainment. Operates the same Dutch performing-arts venue business model as Aan de Slinger, but at substantially larger scale and broader programming scope — a clear larger-market incumbent in the Dutch theater sector.
• Pathé Nederland: Largest cinema chain in the Netherlands operating mainstream and premium-format movie theaters. Comparable to Aan de Slinger's film screening operation (4–5x/week), but as a broad incumbent offering mainstream exhibition rather than community-focused art-house programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/theater-aan-de-slinger

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 records

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 Theater Aan de Slinger