The Little Theatre’s studio, technical and rehearsal spaces are too small and limited to meet audience and user needs in this popular venue. Current facilities are in very old buildings (on separate sites) which are difficult and costly to maintain. Many areas of the buildings do not meet current standards for disabled access or audience expectations for good quality, comfortable facilities and performance spaces. Emergency evacuation requirements severely limit public performances in our small Studio Theatre.
The Centenary Challenge will acquire the site next to the theatre, so that all the Theatre's activities can be brought together into one building, including a NEW 100 seat Studio Theatre, Wardrobe Dept and Rehearsal Rooms. All designed to meet the varied needs and expectations of 21st century theatre audiences . This project is stage 1 of the scheme and will complete detailed feasibility plans and surveys. Please become a "Star" - Donate today! (further details below)
What we'll deliver:
- Feasibility Designs for the new Studio Theatre, Wardrobe and Rehearsal Rooms.
- Surveys including site measurements, ground scans and ground investigations
Why it's a great idea:
The Little Theatre is owned by Leicester Drama Society (LDS) a self-supporting arts charity that gets no regular public or private funding towards running costs. We deliver high quality drama productions in a repertory system alongside local operatic productions (18 – 22 plays and musicals each year). We offer youth theatre training for 8 to 18 year olds, plus acting and technical workshop training for adults. We also facilitate training for people aged 16 and over who have learning disabilities. The Little Theatre is the only facility in the region that offers such a wide range of opportunities for people to participate in live theatre and dramatic arts. Our workforce is largely volunteers (around 350 members) and we employ only 11 (FTE) staff. We attract around 50,000 ticket purchasing audience members each year. BUT serious space constraints limit what we can do and present. Maintenance problems are also increasing. Rejuvenation of our Theatre is critical for our future success!
Steps to get it done:
- Complete Concept and Feasilbilty Drawings for the new building
- Complete Surveys including site measurements, ground scans and ground investigations
ALL Donations greatly appreciated
If you can donate £100 or more we will display a personalised "Little Star" on our new Studio Wall - see pictures (£500+ donations get "Bigger Stars")
Major drivers for project include
•Current Studio performances are very limited by emergency evacuation routes from main auditorium - studio cannot be used simultaneously with shows in main theatre.
•Current Studio very small, hot & stuffy.
•Audience toilet facilities are outdated, cramped & limited resulting in long queues.
•Serious rehearsal space constraints - rooms are fully booked, limiting production options & rehearsal times & no disabled access.
•Maintenance problems –recurring problems with leaking flat roofs, heating, ventilation and plumbing.
•Current disabled access is limited to our main auditorium. No disabled access between dressing rooms & stage areas (all at first floor level.)
•Our Wardrobe dept is split across two buildings. The store & Hire dept have recurring maintenance problems.
