Croatia’s theatre scene going though a boom

Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb (Photo: Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

ZAGREB, 3 April (Hina) – Croatia’s theatre sector recorded strong growth in 2025, attracting 1,923,449 visitors and staging more than 13,600 performances both at home and abroad.

Official data released by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics shows a significant rise in creative output, with the number of works performed increasing by 25% year on year and premieres jumping 35% compared with 2024.

In total, 187 theatres operated across the country during the year. Of these, 152 were professional theatres and 35 amateur companies.

Together they staged 2,579 works, with 60% written by Croatian authors, highlighting the strong presence of domestic writing on the national stage.

Rise in premieres and domestic works

A total of 661 premieres were performed in 2025, with 55% of them works by Croatian authors.

Professional theatres for general audiences recorded a 5% drop in the number of performances, yet attendance still rose by 2%, indicating strong audience demand.

Children’s theatres draw bigger audiences

Children’s theatres saw one of the most notable shifts.

Although the number of performances fell by 24%, attendance increased by 23%, which statisticians attribute to a 10% rise in the number of titles available, offering audiences greater variety.

Amateur theatre activity grows

Amateur theatres staged 8% fewer works, but the number of performances rose 34%, drawing 4% more visitors than the previous year.

Strong year for music and performing arts

Positive trends were also recorded across Croatia’s wider performing arts sector.

Orchestras and ensembles held 1,403 concerts, attracting 426,291 visitors — a 53% increase compared with 2024.

There were 19 active choirs in Croatia during the year, including one professional choir and 18 amateur groups.

Meanwhile, 68 folk dance and song ensembles organised 1,512 events, including 78 performances abroad, attracting 466,450 visitors.

Employment in orchestras

A total of 417 people were employed in orchestras and ensembles, with 97% working in large symphony orchestras.

Overall, the figures underline the continued strength of Croatia’s performing arts scene, with audiences returning in large numbers and domestic productions playing a central role in the country’s cultural life.