About Us
Our Story
For over 70 years, ZEST has been the home for English-speaking theatre in Zurich. Established in 1954, ZEST – Zurich English-Speaking Theatre – has grown to host a diverse array of events throughout the year. Our vibrant community boasts members from over 30 countries and all walks of life, all united by a shared passion for creating and enjoying theatre. Beyond our stage productions, our community gathers for regular workshops, social events, and collaborative play readings.
We bring stories to life with at least two major public productions each year, running for two weeks every spring and winter. Our stage is a space for both new and experienced talent to shine, showcasing a wide range of genres, from classic dramas, modern comedies, and thrilling mysteries to full-scale musicals. Beyond these shows, we're deeply committed to member skill development through regular workshops and by sponsoring participation in the NODA Summer School in the UK - a fantastic opportunity with the leading body for amateur theatre.
Our Volunteer-Driven Mission
At ZEST, our passion for theatre is entirely volunteer-driven. We are a volunteer-run, self-funded organization. Neither the President nor any Committee member receives payment for their services, and all actors, directors, and stagehands generously contribute their time and effort without charge.
Our Commitment to the Community
From our founding, ZEST has proudly remained self-funded, operating without outside support or sponsorship. We rely solely on our own efforts, which have allowed us to achieve something truly remarkable: we’ve donated over 350,000 CHF to charities throughout our history.
Want to learn more about the causes we support? Head over to our Charities page.
Get Involved
The best way to experience ZEST is to join us. Our community is open to everyone, whether you want to act on stage, work behind the scenes, or simply enjoy a great show.
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Ready to get involved? Become a ZEST Member
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Want to see what's on? View Our Events Calendar
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Want to perform on stage? Audition for a Production
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Want to know more about our journey? See our History page
Governance & Transparency
Zurich English-Speaking Theatre (ZEST) is an association (Verein) registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zurich, in accordance with Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code.
Our association is governed by a formal constitution (Statutes). To protect the privacy of our internal operations and our members, these documents are available exclusively to registered members via our secure Member Portal.
If you are a member and require assistance with your login credentials, please contact us via the chat. For official inquiries from third parties, please reach out to The Committee via our contact page.