Les Noctambules

FEDEC Member since 2026

Les Noctambules is a circus arts resource centre co-directed by Satchie Noro and Olivier Verzelen. It is a place dedicated to transmission, research, creation, production, dissemination, Arts and Cultural Education, and regular training for circus professionals.

Missions

Founded by Michel Nowak, Les Noctambules has, for around thirty years, developed a strong programme of activity based on the inseparable interaction between the different forms of circus practice: outreach, amateur, pre-professional and professional practice. The interaction between these different practices helps to strengthen an inclusive community and a “learning organisation” built around the values upheld by circus arts: high standards, commitment, solidarity, creativity, transmission and mentorship.

It is both a place for transmission and outreach, within and beyond its walls, and a laboratory for the creation of circus and street arts, deeply rooted in its local area.

Activities

The activities of Les Noctambules are divided into three inseparable strands, which interact through the projects carried out:

• Amateur practice

Les Noctambules develops educational and outreach work with amateur participants through regular classes and a range of workshops (discovery, awareness-raising, creative practice, etc.) co-designed with cultural, social and medico-educational partners in the local area.

• Professional practice

Les Noctambules serves as a resource centre for professional artists, offering regular training sessions, professional development, access to a fabrication workshop, storage facilities, and more.

• Support for artistic creation

Les Noctambules has been awarded the “Lieu de Fabrique” label by the Région Île-de-France. Throughout the year, it hosts companies in creative residencies, with particular attention given to emerging artists and companies, and organises regular events showcasing new forms of writing and creation in circus and street arts.

In parallel, each year Les Noctambules supports two emerging artists through delegated production and provides co-production support to four to six creative projects.

Affiliation

Partnerships

Les Noctambules has strong roots in its local area, built through thirty years of partnerships with local organisations. Numerous projects are developed each year to introduce circus arts, make participation accessible to all audiences, and pay particular attention to underserved communities, whether for medical, financial or accessibility-related reasons.

In addition, Les Noctambules collaborates with other artistic organisations to support and promote circus arts across its region.

Networks

Les Noctambules is part of the following networks:

• SODAC – Schéma d’orientation des Arts du Cirque en Île-de-France: consultation and coordination for the structuring of the circus arts sector
• SDEA – Schéma Départemental des Enseignements Artistiques des Hauts-de-Seine: network of departmental arts schools working on joint projects
• Actes If : network of independent artistic and cultural venues in the Île-de-France region
• SCC – Syndicat du Cirque et des Compagnies de Création : membership currently in progress.

Learn more about this member

Founded in 1985

Management

• Co-Directors: Satchie Noro and Olivier Verzelen

Localisation

220 avenue de la République
92000 Nanterre
France

Contact

arenesdenanterre@free.fr
https://www.les-noctambules.com/fr/accueil.html

Instagram: @les.noctambules