Venue 4
OUR PLAN FOR A NEW COMMUNITY THEATRE
OPENING DOORS TO THE LOCAL CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Creativity is a proven route to wellbeing, friendship and fulfilment. Theatre Royal Bath is building a fourth auditorium that gives the whole community access to a creative life.
What we see on stage is part of a much bigger story. Work in the Main House, Ustinov or The Egg depends on a thriving grass roots scene and a community that loves theatre as much as we do.
Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Haworth Tompkins, the fourth venue sits at the heart of Theatre Royal Bath. An intimate, fringe-style theatre with its own foyer, nestled on St John's Place. Following three years of consultation, planning permission has been granted and further design work will now progress to a final blueprint for the space.
When we say access, we’re not just talking about lifts and handrails: Yes, this venue will be a physically accessible space. It will also be technically well-equipped, easy to use and affordable for all. For the first time, amateurs and emerging artists will be able to harness the power of Theatre Royal Bath’s training, producing and marketing expertise, for their own productions. A gift every theatre passion project needs, but could never afford.
WHAT NEXT?
We have our first partners signed up, significant support from The Miss Beryl Billings Charitable Trust and funds committed from our own reserves. We are now keen to hear from community groups who want to use the space, local businesses and individual donors. 'In memory’, recognition, sponsorship and naming opportunities are available.
Making this venue a reality means more than mere applause. It’s about keeping a Bath landmark alive and thriving. Investing in our local community. Joining a successful charity with over two hundred years of history. Igniting everyone’s creativity.
And that’s a legacy to be proud of.
Your donation will help open the doors to a VENUE 4 the community.
What will happen in Venue 4?
Our core goal is to grow the number and diversity of local people with a story to tell and the skills and confidence to share that story.
Engage participants meet on a weekly basis to learn performance skills and make connections. And the best way to learn is by putting on regular productions. Most people pay termly fees, but there are bursaries available and each year we look to work with 2 new groups from underrepresented communities. The aim is to develop creative confidence.
Creative Agency is our commitment to provide up to six, week-long residency slots for local people making their first work. We can help with light-touch mentoring and advice about reaching an audience or finding collaborators. The aim is to grow the diversity of people making their own work for the first time.
Elevate gives local performers and community companies the chance to get on a Theatre Royal Bath stage. Around half of the Venue 4 programme will be reserved for live performance of all kinds. We hope to operate on a simple ticket income split in the performers’ favour. The aim is to give as many people as possible professional venue experience and, ultimately, bring new and exciting productions to venues like The Egg and the Ustinov.
Local festivals will be able to use Venue 4 as a base for up to 6 weeks of the year. The aim is to grow connections between Venue 4 users, Theatre Royal Bath and the local creative scene.
Private Hire will be available for limited sessions in the year to help cover the costs of our adult participation programme.
