NEWS: Theatre Royal Wakefield proposes to open “Centre for Creativity”
At an event this week where invited guests were asked to join them for a “celebration of the Past, Present and Future of Theatre Royal Wakefield”, Executive Director Katie Town unveiled proposals for a new Centre of Creativity. To be built in the area of land currently used as a car park between the Theatre Royal and the rest of the Westgate run the new Centre “would provide a major extension to the Theatre Royal Wakefield with direct public access from Westgate into the theatre’s foyer and stalls seating area.”
Joining Katie Town were two representatives from architects Halliday Clerk who have been engaged in the design and the application for full planning permission. They described a large glass open front building that would provide a unique connection between the proposed rehearsal and performance space and Westgate itself. Leading on from the main foyer would be a long corridor into a flexible space which could be used for small scale performance work seating up to 100 people or could be used as much needed rehearsal venue.
Creative Director John Godber is totally behind the concept and he spoke about the exciting opportunities he hoped the Centre would offer young people in particular. He talked passionately about how those aspiring to be the next Godber, Ackbourn or Coward would have this space to try their work here without the pressures of expensive hiring costs and he very much hoped that this could become “The Royal Court of West Yorkshire”.
The promotional material distributed to guests last night stated that the Centre for Creativity would “attract talented new artists and enable the very best in arts education. We aim to become a Centre of excellence for family friendly programming and young people’s engagement.”
The plans certainly sound exciting and hold much potential but there is some way to go with the Theatre currently looking for the public to pledge their support for this project. If you would like further information or to get involved visit www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk for more details.
