New £1 million high-tech studio theatre opens – University of Reading
09 June 2005
The University of Reading's new £1million Bob Kayley Studio Theatre, located at the Bulmershe Court campus, is now complete and has made its debut this week with the performances of second year undergraduate practical theatre projects. Named after the first Head of Film and Drama at Bulmershe College, the Bob Kayley Studio Theatre provides students and researchers with a state-of-the-art, flexible, multi-media performance space. The new facilities include excellent lighting, video projection, live feed action, surround sound and flexible seating for an audience of 90 people. In due course additional video editing suites will complete the facilities. This new studio theatre, which complements the Myra McCulloch Theatre already on site, will ensure that Reading's pioneering courses in Film and Theatre continue to produce highly-skilled graduates who have the opportunity to explore alternative ways of testing theory and criticism through practice. "It is important that students are able to try out a variety of theatre forms and practices," said Lib Taylor, Head of the Department of Film, Theatre and Television. "It is invaluable experience to explore how live theatre is realised in terms of an audience making imaginative use of space light and sound. This is the state-of-the-art theatre that we need to ensure that all our students and researchers are able to partake in a full programme of theatre practice." The University's Project Manager, Rob Pask, and the project team at Bulmershe worked together to transform the old Bob Kayley Studio (originally a gymnasium) and brought the theatre to life in only 21 weeks after a successful bid for £1,026,900 to fund the project came from the Science Research Investment Fund. It is hoped that the Department will be using the new theatre for general public performances by late 2005. End Notes for editors -Some high-res images of the exterior of the theatre are available for media use, or photographers are welcome to come and take their own pictures. Please contact Craig Hillsley, the University's press officer: T: 0118 378 7388 E: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk