Sheffield Hallam University has completed a project to refurbish a new drama space for the Faculty of Development and Society as part of an ambitious project to expand the existing performing arts facilities and cater for a wide variety of student productions.
The new facilities in Arundel Gate Court feature two theatre studios, the installation of state-of-the-art lighting and audio rigs and bespoke changing backstage facilities, including changing and green room facilities.
The flexible performance and teaching spaces over two floors have been adapted and refurbished to provide a well-equipped and practical space that will be used for teaching and public performances. The floor is covered in high-quality, professional performance rubber flooring, the space has movable stage flats, floor-length blackout curtains, an unfixed, flexible staging system.
Working collaboratively, colleagues from Estates, Digital Technology Services and the Faculty of Development and Society have successfully adapted the new Performance Lab over six months, ready for student use in January 2018. It was designed to be a practical, adaptable and multi-use space for students to learn, practice, perform and build a new performance learning community.
It was pleasure working with the Estates Team on this refurbishment. The finished space is one that the staff and students already love and want to use. I have shown countless numbers of people around the building and it hasn’t failed to impress each and every one of them. Ashley Barnes, Head of Stage and Screen
The Performance Lab launch team was nominated for a Development and Society Faculty Team and Inspirational Teaching Award – the ceremony took place on Thursday 14 June 2018.
