site.btaIndependent Theatre Producers Form Association

Independent theatre producers and cultural organizations have announced the Association of Creative Theatre Agencies (ACTA), a professional body representing the private theatre sector and advocating for a transparent, sustainable, and competitive cultural environment.

The association brings together Artvent, Art Bilet, Baza H, Break a Leg, Kontraplan, Option B, and Ferry Art, with Velizar Velichkov elected as chair.

ACTA was formed amid public debate over state cultural policy and the need for clearer rules governing interactions between state, municipal, and independent cultural organizations. In recent years, the private theatre sector has become a major contributor to Bulgaria’s cultural life, producing dozens of new shows annually, drawing large audiences, and generating economic activity through employment, taxes, and cultural events.

The association proposes a cap on external service costs for events at state and municipal institutions at 35% of revenue, a clear quota for independent producers to access state and municipal stages, minimum ticket prices, and free use of state theatre box offices for selling tickets to independent productions.

ACTA expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with the Ministry of Culture, cultural institutions, and all sector stakeholders to implement these measures.