Foundation for Amateur Theatre in Friesland

The Foundation for Amateur Theatre in Friesland (Frisian: Stichting Amateurtoaniel Fryslân, commonly abbreviated STAF) is a Frisian cultural organisation that represents the interests of amateur theatre performed in the Frisian language. It was founded in 1918 under the name Boun fan Fryske Toanielselskippen (BFT) and adopted its current name in 2001. In April 2018, 149 amateur theatre associations in Friesland were affiliated with the STAF. The organisation is supported by Keunstwurk, the provincial knowledge centre for cultural education, amateur art and professional art. Beyond representing its member organisations in administrative and advocacy matters, the STAF pursues quality improvement in Frisian-language amateur theatre. Through an annual competition (a 'kriich') among affiliated companies, it seeks to form an overarching bond for the various associations. Youth theatre is also encouraged through courses and the facilitation of subsidies. The STAF works with the Stichting Utjouwerij Frysk Toaniel (St.U.F.T.) to make newly translated and original repertoire available. The organisation also operates under the public-facing name Iepen Doek, which describes itself as an association promoting the Frisian amateur field in theatre and drama. Its members include theatre associations, open-air theatre groups and youth groups. Iepen Doek stands for the interests of its members and helps them with various challenges, including directors, theatre advice, subsidies and insurance. It organises events such as a general members' meeting, and maintains a website at iependoek.nl.

The organisation was founded in 1918 as the Boun fan Fryske Toanielselskippen (BFT), a bond of Frisian theatre companies. In 2001 it was renamed Stichting Amateurtoaniel Fryslân (STAF). By April 2018, 149 amateur theatre associations in Friesland were affiliated with the STAF. The organisation is supported by Keunstwurk, the provincial knowledge centre for cultural education, amateur art and professional art. It also works with the Stichting Utjouwerij Frysk Toaniel (St.U.F.T.) to make newly translated and original repertoire available. In addition to its administrative advocacy, the STAF organises an annual competition (kriich) among member companies and encourages youth theatre through courses and subsidy facilitation. The organisation also operates under the public name Iepen Doek, which maintains a website at iependoek.nl and organises events such as a general members' meeting.

• 2018

  149 amateur theatre associations affiliated as of April 2018.

• 2001

  Renamed Stichting Amateurtoaniel Fryslân (STAF).

• 1918

  Founded as Boun fan Fryske Toanielselskippen (BFT).

Provincial umbrella and advocacy body for Frisian-language amateur theatre.

• Annual kriich competition

  A yearly competition among affiliated theatre companies.

• Youth theatre courses

  Courses to encourage youth theatre.

• Subsidy facilitation

  Help for members in obtaining subsidies.

1. 1Iepen Doekiependoek.nl
2. 2Stichting Amateurtoaniel Fryslânfy.wikipedia.org
3. 3Foundation for Amateur Theatre in Frieslandwikidata.org