The Manufacture welcomed its first budding actors to Lausanne in September 2003, through the doors of the former precious-stone cutting factory after which it is named.

Founded by Switzerland’s French-speaking cantons and the francophone part of the canton of Berne, the Manufacture joined the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) in 2006. It then developed the missions of a higher education establishment: degrees, continuing education, applied research and service provision. Since 2009, it has offered Bachelor and Master degrees recognised at a European level.

In 2011 the State of Vaud also entrusted to the Manufacture vocational training for the new Federal Certificate of Capacity (CFC) in technical professions in the performing arts, overseen by the professional association ARTOS.

Following on from the Bachelor degree in drama focused on actor training, in September 2012 the Manufacture launched a Master in Drama with the emphasis on stage direction, in conjunction with the Master-Campus-Theatre network which brings together Swiss drama schools in Berne, Zurich, Lausanne and Verscio. In 2019, a new orientation Scenography completes the Master.

In September 2014, a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance was inaugurated. The first of its kind in Switzerland, it is run in collaboration with Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and in partnership with P.A.R.T.S in Brussels and the University of Berne.

The Manufacture is therefore the only university in French-speaking Europe to offer degree courses in dance and theatre on a single site.

The Manufacture plans in the future to extend its reach to choreography, dramaturgy and theatre education, thus becoming a true francophone centre for the performing arts and professions.

The Manufacture - University of Performing Arts of Western Switzerland is incorporated as a foundation under private law.

President

Martine Brunschwig Graf
Ancienne Conseillère d’Etat et ancienne Conseillère nationale - Genève, Présidente du Conseil d’orientation stratégique de la HES-SO Genève

Vice-president

Philippe Trinchan
Chef du service de la culture, Canton de Fribourg, Président de la CDAC 

Members

Lionel Baier, réalisateur, membre de Bande à Part Films (Membre du Bureau)

Cléa Redalié, Responsable pôle culture a.i., Département de la cohésion sociale, Office cantonal de la culture et du sport - Genève

Joan Mompart, Directeur du Théâtre Am Stram

Olivier Moeschler, Sociologue, chercheur, Université de Lausanne

Jérémie Leuthold, Directeur général de l’enseignement supérieur du Canton de Vaud 

Isabel Amián del Pino, Secrétaire syndicale du Syndicat Suisse romand du spectacle

Luciana Vaccaro, Rectrice de la HES-SO

Hors-conseil

Alice Durgnat-Levi, secrétaire du conseil 

The Representative Council of La Manufacture is composed as follows:

Ambrine Delanoe, Denzel Luce & Louis Balan, representing the students 

Emilie Agustino, representing administrative and technical staff

Claire de Ribaupierre & Francine Acolas, representing teaching and research staff

The secretariat is provided by Alice Durgnat-Levi, who is also secretary of the Foundation Board of La Manufacture.

The Manufacture offers a magnificent working environment within the former industrial complex that was previously the Golay-Buchel factory, rue du Grand-Pré 3-5, Lausanne.

The school, originally installed on two floors at number 5, has gradually expanded in the course of its development and, since September 2015 with the opening up of new premises at number 3, benefits from a floor space of 4,416 square metres on which to deploy its different activities.

At present the school offers:

• A 228 m² auditorium with 110 tiered seats
• A 132 m² performance hall with Harlequin dance floor and 50 tiered seats
• A research laboratory
• A library open to the public
• 4 rehearsal rooms for dancers with Harlequin dance floor
• 5 rehearsal rooms for actors and producers
• 4 classrooms and meeting rooms
• A cafeteria for students
• A reception area for the public
• A technical and joinery workshop
• A wardrobe room

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