An investment from the Royal Borough of Greenwich will launch a series of exciting renovations at the Greenwich Theatre, it has been announced.
Artistic and Executive Director James Haddrell has unveiled both architectural and artistic plans for the proposed makeover, with the Crooms Hill venue set to benefit from the local authority’s investment to create a brand new studio theatre and carry out improvements to its front of house facilities, during a closure period of just 12 weeks this year.
This will be accompanied by a bold new philosophy tailored to specifically support and nurture some of the country’s newest and most exciting theatre-makers. An exciting programme of masterclasses targeted at new artists and companies and covering a range of production aspects is planned, and the venue will also instigate a fully-paid one year technical theatre post to support the emergence of graduate theatre technicians.
The new studio is also envisaged to be a possible intermediate step on the “ladder of opportunity” between the fringe and mid-scale touring theatre markets, offering emerging theatre companies the chance to play to Off-West End audiences in a flexible space while being supported by the Greenwich Theatre’s expertise and infrastructure.
Of the announcement, Haddrell said “Up to 20 emerging artists and theatre companies will participate in our Artist Development programme, offering anything from rehearsal space and tour booking support to dramaturgy and PR advice. Support for the next generation of theatre makers in this country will go from being an important part of the company’s work, as it has been for five years, to becoming part of our DNA.
“Greenwich-supported companies have already transferred work to the West End, to festivals around the country, and toured the UK and internationally. Thanks to this investment and our commitment to embedding this work across the company, I am certain that our impact on this country’s theatre industry will continue long into the future.”
Tickets for the venue’s new season of work are now on sale through its website.