Hålogaland Theatre is the regional theatre for North Norway, the largest theatre north of Trondheim and also the northernmost professional theatre in the world. It was established in 1971 and is situated permanently in the city of Tromsø, whence it tours extensively in Troms and Finnmark Counties. Its repertoire is based on the North Norwegian profile and the language used on stage is the North Norwegian dialect, a standard rule even if the theatre performs translated work, classical theatre or newly-written drama. The North Norwegian dialect is very precious to the people of the region and the theatre seeks North Norwegian speaking actors when recruiting new members to the ensemble. The theatre employs 35 people of which 10 are actors, seven on contracts with three freelancers hired for specific projects. The company gives approximately 200-250 performances per year, most of them at the Tromsø Art Centre since the company does not have its own permanent building. Touring is an important feature of its work, as are collaborations and co-productions with the Sámi National Theatre Company in Kautokeino Arts Centre, the North Norwegian Festival and the other fringe theatre groups in the region. The theatre also collaborates in both a Nordic and an international network, with a special emphasis on Russia.