In 2006, HaMartef (the basement ) theater was founded in an old Templer house in the German Colony in Jerusalem as part of a business entrepreneurship project.  The theater functions as a home for at-risk youth gifted in the performance arts. 

There are two main goals for the project: 

• Create a professional base for acting courses which combines tools of personal growth.
• Create an intimate, high standard theater which answers to the highest artistic and professional values. 

The theater is lead by a professional staff. It aspires to turn raw natural talent into a life-time profession. 

The academic program is tailored especially for this specific population. A three year program which combines a preparatory program and 2 years of schooling in the theatre studies department.