Theater am Gleis

Theater am Gleis is a small guest theatre in Winterthur, in the Swiss canton of Zurich, located right next to the main railway station. It has operated since 1979 and has long been one of the key venues of the city's independent performing arts scene. Its tagline, "Next to the tracks since 1979", fits well: the stage really does sit beside the railway.

What is Theater am Gleis?

It is a multi-disciplinary venue that grew over time into a house with four pillars: theatre, dance, music and children's theatre. Wikidata classifies it as a performing arts complex. It is not a classic theatre with a permanent acting company. Instead, it hosts groups from the region as well as artists from elsewhere in Switzerland and abroad.

How did it start?

The story goes back to 1979, when a non-profit association was founded. Its aim was to make cultural events possible, with a special focus on children's theatre, politically engaged cabaret and groups that were not yet well known. That mission, giving space to those still looking for an audience, remains visible in the programme today.

What can you see here?

Around 60 performances are staged in a typical season. Some productions are developed in-house, and on days without events the rooms can be rented. The programme mixes shows for adults, dance, concerts and offerings for the youngest visitors, so two evenings in a season rarely feel alike.

What are the hall and the organisation like?

The theatre is intimate, with an auditorium of roughly 114 seats, so the audience sits close to the performers. Operations are run by a small team of part-time staff together with many volunteers. About 40 people are involved in programming and running events, which gives the place a friendly, community-driven atmosphere.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The address is Untere Vogelsangstrasse 3 in Winterthur. The main station is right nearby, so reaching it by train from Zurich or other Swiss cities is simple and no car is needed. Winterthur lies about 20 to 25 minutes by rail from Zurich, which makes it easy to combine an evening at the theatre with a day exploring a city known for its museums and old town.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a large theatre? No, it is an intimate venue with about 114 seats. Performances feel very direct as a result.

Is there something for children? Yes. Children's theatre is one of the four main areas of activity and was one of the founders' goals back in 1979.

How many performances are held per season? Roughly 60, across theatre, dance, music and children's programming.

Can the rooms be hired? Yes, on days free of programming the theatre makes its rooms available for rent.

Is it the same as Theater Winterthur? No. Theater Winterthur is a larger touring house on Theaterstrasse. Theater am Gleis is a smaller, independent stage by the station.

Where can I find the current programme? The most reliable sources are the theatre's official website and local Winterthur event calendars. Check dates before you go, as the repertoire changes from season to season.