Théâtre de la Manufacture

Théâtre de la Manufacture is the National Drama Center of Nancy-Lorraine (CDN), located on Rue Baron Louis in Nancy, inside a former tobacco factory building. It ranks among the leading stages in the Grand Est region, blending contemporary creation with classic repertoire.

How to get there?

Théâtre de la Manufacture sits in central Nancy on Rue Baron Louis, in an easily reachable part of the city. Tickets can be bought directly at the box office, open Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 19:00, Wednesdays from 10:00 to 19:00, and on Saturdays during performance periods from 15:00 to 19:00. For reservations or programme information, the box office can be reached at +33 3 83 37 42 42. Thanks to its central location, the theatre fits naturally into a day of sightseeing in Nancy, easily combined with a walk through the old town and Place Stanislas.

What will you see?

The theatre occupies a former tobacco manufacturing building, which gives it a distinctive industrial character — the raw factory architecture has been adapted for the stage without losing its original spirit. The complex includes three performance spaces: a main hall seating up to 375 people, and two smaller venues — La Fabrique and a rehearsal studio — each accommodating around 100 spectators. This layout allows several productions to run in parallel, from large-scale shows to more intimate, experimental performances.

The programme mixes contemporary playwrights with classic dramatic works, and productions are designed for audiences from age 7 upward, making the Manufacture a welcoming venue for younger viewers and families alike. For decades the institution has served not just as a venue for performances but as a genuine creative hub, where artists develop new works from the ground up.

The theatre's history

The theatre was founded in May 1986 by Henri Degoutin, initially under the name Comédie de Lorraine. Its artistic direction later passed through Anne Delbée (1987–1991), Charles Tordjman (1992–2010), and Michel Didym (2010–2021). Since 1 January 2021, director Julia Vidit has led the theatre, continuing its mission as a place for both creating and staging an ambitious dramatic repertoire.

Its status as a National Drama Center places the Manufacture within France's nationwide network of public theatres dedicated to the creation and promotion of dramatic art. Beyond its own productions, the institution also runs theatre education programmes and collaborates with artists from across the Lorraine region.

When to visit?

The theatre season at the Manufacture generally runs from autumn through spring, with a summer break typical of French public stages. The best time to visit is during the run of premieres and major productions, usually in autumn and winter, though the programme changes from season to season, so checking the current schedule is worthwhile. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance, especially for high-profile shows in the main hall, where seating is capped at 375.

Frequently asked questions

What is Théâtre de la Manufacture in Nancy? It is the National Drama Center of Nancy-Lorraine, a public theatre housed in a former tobacco factory building, presenting both contemporary and classic repertoire.

Who currently directs the theatre? Since 1 January 2021, director Julia Vidit has served as artistic director.

How many halls does the theatre have, and what is their capacity? The theatre has three halls: a main hall for 375 spectators and two smaller spaces — La Fabrique and a rehearsal studio — each holding around 100 people.

What are the box office opening hours? The box office is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 19:00, Wednesdays from 10:00 to 19:00, and Saturdays during performance periods from 15:00 to 19:00.