What is Scala?
Scala is a one-of-a-kind theatre experience in Amsterdam where you create your own perfect night out. Instead of committing to a full-length performance months in advance, you can enjoy a surprising mix of short shows, great food, and good company.
Every evening, three different performances (four on Fridays) are staged in our intimate theatre rooms. From comedy and drama to live music and magic, there's always something new to discover. Shows start every 15 minutes between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM, giving you the freedom to decide what your evening looks like. 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 night out 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 come together to enjoy dinner, drinks, and conversations about the performances they've just seen. It's where the lively atmosphere of a restaurant meets the magic of live theatre.
Why Scala excists
Scala is part of the TapasTheater Foundation, a registered Dutch cultural charity (ANBI) with one clear mission: to inspire more people to experience live theatre.
Our founder, Tessa Harmsen, spent many years working in the theatre industry and noticed something remarkable: plenty of 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 easily into modern life.
Fixed start times, full-length performances, buying tickets months in advance, worrying about choosing the "right" show, and having little time to catch up with friends all create barriers for many people.
Scala offers a different approach. It's a place where you can drop in spontaneously, discover several artists in one evening, and enjoy theatre that's accessible, flexible, and affordable. And 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 them with a professional stage—without the high production costs that usually come with it. Instead, artists receive a share of the ticket revenue while we take care of production, technical support, marketing, and ticket sales. That allows creators to focus on what they do best: creating and performing.
Because artists perform multiple times each evening and often stay with us for several weeks, they have the opportunity to gain valuable stage experience and continuously refine their work. Watching both performers and productions grow over the course of a run is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Every night, Scala brings audiences and artists together. It's 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.