On 14 July 1952, in Veliko Tarnovo, a professional municipal theatre was founded on the basis of previously existing amateur theatres in the old capital, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Tryavna. Initially, it was housed in Nadezhda Community Center. Nikola Shivarov was employed as its director. The first premiere was on 18 September – ‘Love’ by Orlin Vasilev. On 1 January 1956 the theatre was nationalised. Shortly after, it was visited for the first time by an actor group from Krastyo Sarafov High Institute of Theatre Art, now NATFA. During the following theatre season a unique for the country dual-genre – drama and operetta – theatre was founded as an experiment. On 20 April 1971 the new theatre building was ceremonially opened with the performance of ‘Under the Yoke’ by director Simeon Shivachev.

 

Konstantin Kisimov Music and Drama Theatre is a unique theatre form. Drama and music shows are simultaneously staged on the big stage and the chamber stages. The theatre holds combined plays, starring both companies, many concerts and shows. The theatre plays are staged all over Bulgaria and tour abroad. Konstantin Kisimov Music and Drama Theatre has both a big and a chamber auditorium. The big auditorium has 644 seats, 219 of which are on the balcony. The chamber hall has 120 seats.