Dullin began his career as an actor in melodrama[1]:185 In 1908, he started his first troupe with Saturnin Fabre, the Théâtre de Foire, where they staged works by Alexandre Arnoux.

[6] The small group of students, among them Antonin Artaud and Marguerite Jamois, was organised as a commune, with Dullin looking to create 'a different attitude toward theatre' through a 'common sharing of life and work'.

[7]:31 In order to cover the initial cost of leasing and setting up the theatre, Dullin's mother sold some of the family's furniture and silverware at pawn shops.

[11]:119 In the tradition of Copeau, Dullin emphasised respect for the text, a simplified stage décor and a poetic rather than a spectacular perspective on the mise-en-scène, placing the actor at the center of the performance.

[4]:90 Students of Charles Dullin included Pascale de Boysson, Antonin Artaud, Jean-Louis Barrault,[14]:29 Juozas Miltinis, Étienne Decroux, Juran Hisao and Marcel Marceau.