University of Sheffield - Performance Venues
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The University of Sheffield Performance Venues operate three performance spaces all located on the University main campus. The 1500 capacity Octagon Centre, Firth Hall with 380 seats and the 180 seat Drama Studio. The venues present a year round programme of music and performance which includes specific learning related shows as well as supporting numerous local schools in their annual presentations. All of the venues are available for hire as are a number of spaces for project development and rehearsal use for professional arts practitioners, students and community groups.
The Performance Venues team also curate two festival strands, University of Sheffield Concerts and the Enable US Festival.
Home to musical discovery, learning, and participation, Sheffield University Concerts combine eclectic programming, internationally renowned performers, and creative learning opportunities in a dynamic music event series. The series runs over 50 public events a year alongside outreach activity, workshops and more.
Enable US is a two week festival of high quality new theatre and touring performance presented each Spring & Autumn. The Project provides a platform to bring local audiences, artists and the university community together to experience, inspire and be inspired by performances that stimulate thought and broaden understanding, as well as providing access to workshops, training and development.
University of Sheffield Concerts
We work to ensure children of all ages and backgrounds participate in musical learning opportunities. Each year prior to the pandemic, Concerts has engaged with hundreds of children in the city, many of whom have limited or no access to music provision. Regular outreach activity includes partnerships with schools and local music charities, opening access to workshops and events for children and young adults, and specific public engagement projects. This work is ongoing and we are always looking for future partnerships and projects.
Enable US Festival
The performance programme comprises a wide-ranging body of work across many theatre disciplines. This work is often issue-based or socially engaged, and is accessible to a teenage and young adult (13/14+) audience, as well as those older. Many shows are highly visual, often with little text, and can be ideal for deaf / hearing loss audiences or anyone for whom English is not a first language. Within each season, we also offer performance based workshops run by industry professionals and accessible to all with an avid interest, regardless of experience, in dance, physical theatre, contemporary performance or circus. These are either led by professional touring companies performing within our programme, or delivered by our regular companies in residence.
