BITFest Company Spotlight: Les Seagulls

Mar 24

Name:: Les Seagulls Website: seagulls-wa.org Contact: seagulls@ufeseattle.org

About Les Seagulls

Les Seagulls is a dynamic Francophone theater company based in Seattle, Washington. The company is dedicated to bringing French-language theater to the Puget Sound community. Through its engaging performances, Les Seagulls provides a platform for French-speaking artists and enthusiasts while fostering cultural appreciation and connections among the region’s Francophone population.

Les Seagulls is committed to enriching the cultural life of the Francophone community in Puget Sound. By staging plays in French, the company provides an artistic outlet for local actors and delivers authentic, high-quality theater to audiences who appreciate or are learning the language. Beyond entertainment, Les Seagulls serves as a gathering space that strengthens community ties and promotes cultural heritage.

The company collaborates closely with UFE Seattle (Union des Français de l’Étranger), an organization that supports French expatriates. This partnership expands Les Seagulls’ reach within the local French-speaking network and helps promote their productions to a wider audience.

How did your company start, and what inspires the work you do?

Les Seagulls began in 2016 with a lively cabaret show, bringing together a group of passionate Francophone theater lovers eager to share their love for performance. What started as a single production quickly grew into a full-fledged theater company dedicated to staging French-language plays in the Puget Sound area.

What kind of theater do you specialize in?

Les Seagulls specializes in Francophone theater, bringing French-language plays to the Puget Sound region. The company primarily focuses on comedies, contemporary French plays, and thought-provoking dramas, often selecting works that explore social dynamics, humor, and cultural identity. Their repertoire includes both well-known French theatrical works and lesser-known gems, making French-language theater accessible and engaging for audiences in Seattle.

What show are you bringing to the festival, and why did you choose it?

We are bringing La Ballade des Planches by Jean-Paul Alègre to the festival.

This play is a heartfelt and humorous tribute to the world of theater itself. It explores the passion, struggles, and dreams of actors, celebrating the magic of the stage while playfully revealing its behind-the-scenes realities. We chose this piece because it perfectly embodies our love for theater and aligns with our mission of bringing engaging French-language productions to new audiences.

With its witty dialogue, touching moments, and universal themes, La Ballade des Planches is a show that speaks to both theater lovers and those new to the stage. It’s a joyful, self-reflective work that reminds us why we dedicate ourselves to this art form. We are excited to share it with the festival audience and celebrate the beauty of live performance!

How would you describe this production in just a few words?

A heartfelt, witty tribute to the magic and struggles of theater.

What should audiences expect from this performance?

Expect a show where the actors might just know you’re watching… and won’t pretend otherwise!

Is there anything unique or special about your approach to this production?

Absolutely! Our approach embraces the playful and self-aware nature of La Ballade des Planches by fully leaning into… well, everything that makes theater so irresistibly unpredictable.

What has the creative process been like for this production?

It’s hard to explain the creative process without giving too much away…

Have there been any exciting or unexpected challenges during rehearsals?

There are always challenges in any rehearsal. With a play like La Ballade des Planches, which constantly plays with theatrical conventions, one of the biggest challenges has been striking the perfect balance between comedy and sincerity.

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the festival?

We’re also excited about the energy and unpredictability that comes with performing in a festival setting. Every audience is different, and their reactions will shape the rhythm of the show in unexpected ways. Plus, connecting with other performers, discovering new works, and being part of a community that breathes theater? That’s what makes festivals so special!

Why do you think theater festivals are important for the arts community?

Theater festivals are essential for the arts community because they bring together artists, audiences, and diverse perspectives in a way that fosters creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

They provide a platform for experimentation and discovery, allowing both emerging and seasoned theater-makers to showcase their work, take creative risks, and engage with new audiences. Festivals also help keep theater accessible and alive, exposing people to different styles, voices, and storytelling techniques they might not encounter otherwise.

Beyond the performances, these gatherings create a sense of community, where artists can learn from one another, share ideas, and celebrate the art form they love. Whether you’re performing, watching, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, theater festivals remind us why live performance remains such a powerful and irreplaceable experience.

If someone has never seen your company’s work before, what should they know about you?

We usually do comedies, so our goal is always to make you laugh—but there’s always a message behind the humor. Whether it’s a sharp look at human relationships, a tribute to the theater itself, or a deeper reflection hidden beneath the jokes, our productions are more than just entertainment. We love stories that make you smile while also making you think...