The historic ERKEL theatre, previously used as a secondary opera house, will soon enjoy a brand-new incarnation as Budapest’s epicenter of musical theatre. Plans are underway to present a panoply of new and old music and dance works, but will first start with their exciting announcement of city-wide auditions for performers. (Read below for the details.)

- hirdetés -

ERKEL’s history

The ERKEL Theatre’s history is one of many changes. It was built in 1911 as the People’s Opera and was an independent institution until 1951, when it supplemented the Hungarian State Opera House in order to meet increased audience demand. It was rebuilt between 1961 and 1962, but closed forty-five years later for technical reasons. Since 1 March 2013 it has been operating as the chamber theatre of the Opera House. With 1819 seats, it is the largest permanent stone theatre in Hungary. From 1980 to 1984, and during the recent five-year reconstruction of the Hungarian State Opera House on Andrássy út, all large-scale opera productions were temporarily held in the ERKEL. During the past two years, the building has been rented out to concert organizers and theatre producers, as well.
Named for Ferenc Erkel (1810-1893) the Hungarian composer, conductor, and pianist who directed the Liszt Academy and the Hungarian State Opera, and penned Hungary’s national anthem, the building in the 8th district will become a beehive of musical theatre ingenuity featuring legendary and contemporary shows, some of which will be commissioned for worldwide debut.

The theatre’s new business plan will function as an independent non-profit organization run by the state, and will be managed by Péter Cseke (managing director of the Nemzeti Színház in Kecskemét since 2020) and Vajk Szente as the Managing and Artistic Director.

The Hungarian Gazette reports that the new music and dance theatre will receive HUF 3.5 billion from the 2025 budget, HUF 3 billion in 2026 and HUF 2.5 billion in 2027. The Hungarian State Opera House will receive HUF 2 billion from the state to compensate for the transfer of movable property.

The future

Under the banner of “Every Voice Counts,” the new company’s announcement of an opening casting call is scheduled for 17th and 18th of February, 2025. Anyone in Hungary over 18 years old with a passion for being on the musical stage can audition, regardless of training.

Details of the open casting:

• Date: 17-18 February 2025
• Venue: Erkel Theatre (Pope Paul II Square 30. János Pál II.)
• Application materials: your photo and the title of your chosen song
• Send to: [email protected]
• We will reply to you stating the time for which you are scheduled
• Deadline for applications: 3 February 2025

Vajk Szente is a Hungarian actor, director, playwright, movie creative producer, television presenter. His own first musical, Group Therapy, was premiered in 2011 and has been performed in theatres in Hungary ever since. His musical about the life of the famous Hungarian footballer, Ferenc Puskás, is currently running.