53two
opens new rehearsal, casting & workshop studios in city-centre Manchester,
thanks to Henry Boot Developments.
As 53two enter a transition
period, closing the doors on their theatre some weeks ago and awaiting work on
their new venue, they are delighted to announce the opening of several studio
spaces, green-room and meeting points for artists, in the centre of Manchester.
Thanks to Henry Boot Developments (HBD), 53two are able to continue to operate
as a charity, providing affordable and accessible rehearsal/workshop space for Greater
Manchester and surrounding areas.
‘We’re absolutely delighted that 53two can
continue to work for artists in Manchester. Closing the doors on the theatre
was a big moment for the team and we were desperate to be able to keep the
engine running and maintain the work we had been doing in the City. The team
who own the site have been incredible. They have embraced what we stand for,
recognised that we needed their support and gone above and beyond to ensure a
quick and seamless jump into this temporary, brilliant location.’
Simon Naylor, Artistic Director, 53two
The space is set for
re-development however, by this time the team at 53two hope to be settling into
their new theatre venue. In the
meantime, the space, formerly the old Pizza Express unit on South King Street,
has been leased to the charity. The venue will operate as class rooms, workshop
space and rehearsal rooms from as little as £5, offering artists the chance to
pop-in, grab a play-text and a coffee, chill out, and use the WiFi whilst
supporting the charity. The money raised will go back into the arts and allow
53two to continue their work in creating accessible theatre for all in their
new space. In particular, 53two Studios are delighted to offer free, ‘drop-in’, 30 minute slots for
actors to focus and prepare for city centre auditions after that long train
journey or mad dash through traffic.
‘It was incredibly important that we offered affordable
space for plays and artists to be developed, much as 53two has done previously,
but, being actors, we recognise how difficult it is to find that focus before a
big audition. Being so central, we’re able to offer a quiet studio and a chance
to warm-up, prep and refresh completely free of charge. A 30 minute MOT space
for actors!’
Alexandra Maxwell
Manager, 53two
53two champion diversity and
accessibility and were keen to find an interim location that could continue to
do this. HBD recognised these needs and their new studio rooms have ground
floor, wheelchair access with disabled toilets, meaning that the space is open
to everyone. Steve Manifold of HBD was delighted to welcome the charity, having
been a follower of their work and recognising instantly the need for 53two to
be able to continue their work.
‘Whilst
we work on delivering a really exciting scheme for the Island Site, it’s great
that we can help 53two by providing space in a prime city centre location. At
HBD, we appreciate the importance of supporting the arts, and we’re pleased to
be able to give a little back to the community by supporting the amazing
charity work that 53two does with artists in the city.’
Steven Manifold, Senior Development Surveyor
HBD
You can find the studios at,
South King Street, Manchester M2 6DQ and the spaces are open to use as of
today. Simon and Alex welcome visitors so, pop along and come see the space for
yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment