Grund Szinhaz is a Budapest-based improvisational theatre company founded in 2010, growing from an open workshop programme called Play Grund that Andrew Hefler had launched in February 2009. The company is one of the most internationally active improv ensembles in Central Europe, performing primarily in Hungarian while maintaining a robust presence at festivals abroad. Its tagline, 'improvizacio, jelenlet, felfedezes' (improvisation, presence, discovery), encapsulates its artistic values.
History
Andrew Hefler began running Play Grund, an open Wednesday workshop for actors, dancers, and singers, in Budapest in early 2009. From that community the formal Grund Szinhaz company coalesced in 2010, with approximately twenty performers at founding. The company developed the 'Andimpro' technique, a progressive and audience-centric methodology that communicates through the improvised exploration of theatrical and cinematic genres. Grund Szinhaz built an international profile through festival touring and has been listed among the region's most prolific and experienced impro companies. The ensemble performs at a dedicated venue in Budapest's ninth district and has participated in conferences and festivals across Europe.
Artistic Identity
Grund Szinhaz's practice emphasizes moment-to-moment authenticity and the conscious use of theatrical methodology to reflect reality with sensitivity and humor. The company's interdisciplinary membership, drawing from acting, dance, and music, gives its performances a physical and sonic richness beyond the spoken narrative.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Grund Színház. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/grund-szinhaz
The Improv Archive. "Grund Színház." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/grund-szinhaz.
The Improv Archive. "Grund Színház." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/grund-szinhaz. Accessed March 17, 2026.
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