The Applaus Friends Association
Kilden is getting its own friends association
Some might say it’s long overdue, but Kristiansand is finally getting a friends’ association for the regional theater Kilden , and the name is, fittingly, “Applaus.”
“Everyone needs friends, including Kilden . We’re now creating a space for those of us who are interested in theater, giving us a chance to get even closer to the theater,” says Tulla Wahlstedt, director of Applaus.
Tulla is already a frequent visitor to the theater and has strong opinions about what the friends' association should be.
“The goal is to increase interest in and understanding of theater in the region, and in that way boost support for Kilden in the years to come—and of course, it’s nice to do things together,” says Tulla.
Theater Director Valborg Frøysnes
Over the past four years, Artistic Director Valborg Frøysnes has steered the theater in a new direction and helped attract both emerging and established artists. For Tulla, the fact that Frøysnes has a clear vision behind the theater’s programming is a mark of quality.
“I find Valborg’s work very exciting, and we’re delighted that she’ll be staying at Kilden for several years to come,” says Tulla, highlighting the production *Oedipus/Antigone* as a show that was very well received by the board of Applaus.
According to Tulla, it’s no coincidence that Applaus’s board consists of a diverse and multifaceted group of people of all ages, with members ranging from 25 to 75 years old.
– We want to show that theater is more than just “old ladies”
Inspired by the symphony orchestra
For many years, the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra has had a friends’ association called Crescendo; the association, which is constantly gaining new members, is very active and is considered a highly dynamic group that plays an important role for the orchestra. Tulla makes no secret of the fact that Applaus was inspired by the orchestra’s friends’ association.
“I actually helped start Crescendo back in the day; now I’m ‘just’ an active member. Applaus is definitely inspired by Crescendo; I think the Friends Association has meant a lot to the orchestra, and the orchestra means a lot to Crescendo—it’s a real win-win,” says Tulla.
The Applaus Friends Association aims to give theater enthusiasts in the region a unique glimpse behind the scenes, offering early access to tickets, free admission to select public dress rehearsals, and opportunities to meet the performers, to name a few.
Kill Devil
Amadeus
Unity Sought
“We want to make it appealing to join Applaus, and we have big plans for exclusive activities, trips, and much more—we just need to get the registration sorted out in Brønnøysund,” Tulla says with a slightly exasperated smile, alongside Anne Tone Hageland, the vice president of the friends’ association.
What about the name? According to the *Store norske leksikon*, "applaus" refers to enthusiasm or approval expressed by clapping one's hands, shouting, or similar actions.
“Isn’t it obvious? We want to applaud and cheer on Kilden . I think it’s both an apt and logical name, and it’s also kind of fun to have a name you can play around with a bit,” Tulla concludes with a smile.