Copeau and Bing's Childhood Laboratories: a group of children, the embryo of the École du Vieux Colombier

ABSTRACT The article presents the results of research on the child as a model in the theatrical pedagogy from the concretization, by Jacques Copeau and Suzanne Bing, of childhood laboratories. One of these laboratories – the children’s group of the Club de Gymnastique Rythmique, which is considered as the embryo of the École du Vieux Colombier – is highlighted to emphasize the role of Bing and the importance of children’s play in Copeau’s theatrical pedagogy. It is concluded that this laboratory was extremely relevant for the pedagogical preparation of Copeau and Bing as well as for the opening of research horizons, such as mime and animal imitation, later deepened at the École du Vieux Colombier.