How the Company Works
Founded by Louis XIV on 21 October 1680, the Comédie-Française is first and foremost a permanent company of actors and actresses: it is the oldest active theatre company in the world. Its motto, Simul et Singulis, means "to be together while remaining oneself."
Since 1681, the members of this company have been united within the Société des Comédiens-Français: those who belong to it are sociétaires, and have been assigned a number since the first, Catherine De Brie. The most recently appointed member, on 1 January 2026, is the 547th sociétaire, Gaël Kamilindi.
Since the 18th century, the Troupe has also included pensionnaires — so called because they received a royal pension. All actors and actresses join as pensionnaires, at the invitation of the Administrateur général, and may subsequently become sociétaires by decision of the sociétaires themselves. Auxiliary artists may also join the Troupe for the duration of their contract.
Pensionnaire
When an actor joins the Troupe, they are engaged by the Administrateur général as a pensionnaire. They may be offered the opportunity to become a sociétaire after at least one year's membership of the Troupe.
Sociétaire
Sociétaires are chosen from among pensionnaires who have been engaged for at least one year. Pensionnaires are put forward for sociétariat by the Comité d'administration. Following approval by the general assembly of sociétaires, the new sociétaires are appointed, on the proposal of the Administrateur général, by order of the Minister of Culture.
Doyen
The Doyen is the longest-serving sociétaire currently active since their engagement as a pensionnaire. They uphold the principles and customs of the Société des Comédiens-Français and provide leadership across the Troupe as a whole. The Doyen is a standing member of the Comité d'administration.
Sociétaire honoraire
Upon their departure, a sociétaire with at least twenty years' standing in the Troupe may be appointed sociétaire honoraire, on the proposal of the Administrateur général and following approval by the Comité d'administration. This distinction associates them with the Troupe for life, and allows them, at the invitation of the Administrateur général, to return to perform with the Troupe on an occasional basis.