From its birth in 1680 , the Comédie Française was the result of the merger of two troupes from different backgrounds . Its motto is ' Simul et Singulis ' which means ' to be together and be oneself ' with a beehive and bees as its embleme . Its constitution dates back to the famous ' Moscow Decree ' signed by Napoleon in 1812 . Changes have been made , but the essentials remain . From Molière ' s first compagnions to the company ' s current members , The Comédie Française has 400 employes , including 58 actors . It is the General Administrator who makes the appointments . An actor who joins the ' Maison de Molière ' sign a contrat as a boarder . Members may be proposed for membership after at least one year ' s membership . Once this period has elaps , they may be promoted to member status on the recommandation of the Board of Directors . Another special feature of the company since its inception has been that actors receive a profit-sharing bonus from the proceds of performances . This represents a significant supplement to their rather modeste fixed remuneration . The distinguishing feature of the Comédie Française ' s organisation is its alternation system . It is the only one of its kind in France . Firstly , the shows themselves alternate . Thus , in a single week , up to five different plays may be presanted at the Salle Richelieu .
