Star Academy 2025: Meet alain Degois, the ‘Grandpa’ Bringing Decades of Comedy Expertise to the Stage
As Star Academy prepares for its 2025 return, a pivotal new figure joins the faculty: Alain Degois, a veteran of the French comedy scene and founder of the renowned Trappes theater. Degois, affectionately known as “Grandpa” – a nickname earned through his playful imitation of the late ColucheS iconic “grandpa Mougeot” character – will lead the program’s theater instruction, promising a unique approach focused on empowering students to find and amplify their authentic voices.
For aspiring performers, Degois’s arrival signals a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of stagecraft. He’s not aiming to impose a style, but to unlock potential. Having nurtured a generation of France’s most celebrated comedians – including Jamel Debbouze, Blanche Gardin, Arnaud Tsamère, Issa Doumbia, Sophia Aram, and many others – Degois brings a proven track record of identifying and honing talent. His influence extends beyond individual artists; for twenty years, he steered the artistic direction of the Trappes theater, a vital incubator for emerging comedic voices.
Degois’s career is marked by both artistic achievement and recognition. He was appointed a Knight of arts and Letters in 2014 and a Knight of the Order of Merit in 2020, accolades reflecting his notable contributions to French culture. Currently, he directs the Culture and Diversity Trophy and hosts the KO competition of words, alongside continuing to direct improv shows and authoring the 2013 book Made in Trappes.
His teaching beliefs, as he recently shared with Le parisien, centers on collaboration rather than control: “my trademark is to accompany the person to express what they have stronger to say. It’s not me, the boss: I hold their hand, I help them be more effective.” This approach suggests a mentorship style that will prioritize individual expression and authenticity, possibly reshaping the performance dynamic within Star Academy. The next chapter for Degois begins this October, as he prepares to guide the next generation of stars at the Château de Dammarie-les-Lys.
