What is Scala?
Scala is a one-of-a-kind theatre and dining experience in Amsterdam where you create your own perfect night out. On Fridays, enjoy a surprising mix of English language short shows, great food, and good company. (Please note: other evenings feature Dutch language performances.)
Every Friday evening, two different performances are staged in our intimate theatre rooms. From comedy and drama to live music and magic, there's always something new to discover. Twenty minute shows start every 15 minutes between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM, giving you complete freedom to design your evening. Drop by early and head home at a reasonable hour, stop in later for a drink and a show, or turn your visit into a complete theatre and dining night with our great-value four-course menu. At Scala, you set the pace.
On the ground floor you'll find our welcoming food bar, where guests gather to enjoy dinner, drinks, and conversations about the performances they've just seen. This is where the lively atmosphere of a restaurant meets the magic of live theatre.
Why Scala exists
Scala is part of the TapasTheater Foundation, a registered Dutch cultural charity with one clear mission: to inspire more people to experience live theatre.
Our founder, Tessa Harmsen, spent many years working in theatre and noticed something remarkable: many people are interested in theatre, but rarely actually go. Not because they don't enjoy it, but because the traditional theatre experience no longer fits modern life. Fixed start times, full-length performances, advance ticket purchases, worrying about choosing the right show, and limited time with friends create barriers for many.
Scala offers a different approach. A place where you can drop in spontaneously, discover several artists in one evening, and enjoy theatre that's accessible, flexible, and affordable. Because each performance lasts just twenty minutes, there's plenty of time between shows to eat, drink, and spend time together. Our goal is simple: to make culture a natural part of everyday life.
A stage for new talent
Our mission extends beyond welcoming new audiences. Scala is also a launchpad for emerging artists.
Every year we support dozens of performers by providing a professional stage without the high production costs that usually come with it. Artists receive a share of ticket revenue while we handle production, technical support, marketing, and sales. That allows creators to focus on what they do best: creating and performing.
Because artists perform multiple times each evening and often stay for several weeks, they gain valuable stage experience and continuously refine their work. Watching both performers and productions grow over a run is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Every night, Scala brings audiences and artists together. A place where new stories come to life, creative talent flourishes, and live theatre becomes more accessible to everyone.
the team behind scala
Our core team is supported every day by our office interns, evening crew, flexible staff pool, and a dedicated group of volunteer audience hosts.
Thanks to the commitment, enthusiasm, and passion of all these wonderful people, Scala can continue doing what it was created to do: provide a stage for emerging theatre talent while giving our guests an unforgettable night out, every single evening.