New performance space.
We are working on plans to secure funding that will allow us to build our own performance space. This would enable Many Hats to teach, write, devise and perform in a purpose built theatre. Equipped with lighting and sound. Back stage facilities. A dedicated stage area and raked seating for audience.
Like many others, for years we have been located in church halls and school rooms making plans and working hard to produce material for our shows. We believe that disability performance has a right to the basic facilities that some others may take for granted. How we make theatre shapes the theatre we make. It shouldn't be the case that the first time our performers step on to a stage lit by theatre lights is the day before our performance. If we can't produce black out in our rehearsal room how can we explore the dark. If we can't navigate the pathway from off stage to on stage, how can we draw the destination between the two. If we can't show our work to an audience, how does that work have meaning.
We want to build a space that will also cater for the needs of Skillwise. A space that can act as a cinema; an auditorium; a lecture hall and meeting place. With full accessibility.
Once established we can envision the performance space becoming a welcoming venue for other groups in the disability community. A fully equipped facility that might also provide a focus for a wide variety of groups through out Christchurch. Something closer to a genuine idea of a community space.
Below are some early concepts for the black box theatre.
Like many others, for years we have been located in church halls and school rooms making plans and working hard to produce material for our shows. We believe that disability performance has a right to the basic facilities that some others may take for granted. How we make theatre shapes the theatre we make. It shouldn't be the case that the first time our performers step on to a stage lit by theatre lights is the day before our performance. If we can't produce black out in our rehearsal room how can we explore the dark. If we can't navigate the pathway from off stage to on stage, how can we draw the destination between the two. If we can't show our work to an audience, how does that work have meaning.
We want to build a space that will also cater for the needs of Skillwise. A space that can act as a cinema; an auditorium; a lecture hall and meeting place. With full accessibility.
Once established we can envision the performance space becoming a welcoming venue for other groups in the disability community. A fully equipped facility that might also provide a focus for a wide variety of groups through out Christchurch. Something closer to a genuine idea of a community space.
Below are some early concepts for the black box theatre.
