sustained theatre

By David Beidas

Spaces Manager David Beidas provides Sustained Theatre with a new process of consultation with the Sector.

After a period of reflection, consultation and debate, we are now beginning to move the ‘Making Spaces’ projects forward for the Sector.

The aspirations expressed by the Sector at the end of the initial period were the formation of four physical spaces that are described later in this e-posting.

What we have currently 'mapped' and identified are the following Spaces that were identified and developed in consultation with the Sector prior to 2009;

• Space 1: High Tech Theatre Laboratory
• Space 2: Creative Theatre Factory
• Space 3: Theatre Artists Retreat
• Space 4: Mobile Theatre

The next stage is to develop detailed briefs on Spaces 1 - 4

As part of this work, it would be very helpful for the Sustained Theatre regional hubs to discuss and feed back on the questions provided below.

These questions provide us with an opportunity to refine our approach in relation to Spaces. It is intended that feedback from these questions provides direction in terms of buildings that will be of real use to Sector individuals and groups.

So when you have time, please feel free to respond and post your response on this page of the Sustained Theatre website.

Thanks and hear from you soon,

David Beidas 
Project Manager - Spaces

Spaces Questions:

• Are people still happy that the concepts for the four physical spaces are the right ones?
• Is there a priority order?
•  Which space will make the most difference to the Sector?
•  What is the extent of the demand - will artists/companies use the spaces once built. Also, what are the factors which will encourage people to use them (cost? location? facilities?)

The Four Spaces: Sector Descriptions;

SPACE 1: High Tech Theatre Laboratory

A space with the appropriate facilities, access and equipment to develop new theatrical and performing arts ideas into productions ready for touring and for wider public audiences.

• Non public facing (maybe 50 seats facility)
• High Rig with full flying
• Large space
• Full LX sound and light infrastructure
• Education and training facilities
• Child care
• Technical support 
• Workshop facility
• Facilities to support large scale and participatory activity

SPACE 2: Creative Theatre Factor

A community space in which theatre and performing arts groups can experiment, collaborate, produce and exploit new work. Essentially this will be a ‘dirty’, informal space in contrast to the ‘clean’ high tech requirements of Space A

• Rehearsal studios
• Arts administration and support (enabling production and distribution)
• Office spaces
• Shared space for companies 
• Temporary space for project development 
• Central team (that manages network spaces)
• Archiving centre
• Storage space
• Production facilities
• Gallery
• Chill out room 
• Changing facilities and showers
• Living space and child care 
• Kitchen with food
• Garden and water

SPACE 3: Theatre Artists Retreat

• Rural location
• Networked with technology
• Library and resource centre
• Living area and kitchen
• Child care 
• Garden 
• Water

SPACE 4: Mobile Theatre

• Studio Theatre Performance space
• High specification
• Designed functionality
• High technology
• Enable performance and participation
• Rural and urban remit

About the author

David Beidas

With over 25 years of working experience of producing theatres, David Beidas has progressed from working at theatres in Leeds and Worcester and taking the role as Executive Director for The Belgrade in Coventry, developing the blueprint for the venue in a £14million pound re-development scheme. 
From 2003 onwards David has been a leading champion on aspects of arts capital projects.Now the Spaces Manager for Sustained Theatre, his track record is impressive for Sector developments that include; 
- The UK Centre for Carnival Arts, a new building in Luton (opened in May 2009) 
- Bradbury Studios development, 
- the new office and rehearsal base for Graeae Theatre Company in Hackney. 
He is currently also working for Birmingham Repertory Theatre on their involvement in the Library of Birmingham project, a £193m scheme due for completion in 2013, and for the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. 
David also worked for a period on Talawa Theatre Company’s project to create a new home at the former Westminster Theatre in Palace Street London, out of the ashes of which came Sustained Theatre.