About Us
About Seven Dials Playhouse
Mission
Our mission is to be the West End’s creative home for the development of professional theatre and artists. We create opportunities for people to collaborate on bold, creative, high-quality work.
Vision
Our vision is to create a world-leading theatre industry that is understood, needed and valued by the general public.
Seven Dials Playhouse is the West End’s home for the development of professional theatre and artists, presenting a year-round programme of world-class quality theatre as well as an Associated Programme of events which respond directly to the themes of each production.
The organisation is a home for bold, creative high-quality work, with a focus on new writing from artists/creatives who offer fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking.
Seven Dials Playhouse is a rebrand of The Actors Centre, following an extensive overhaul of its programming structure and business model. Opening up the organisation to appeal to the entire creative industry will mark the theatre as a truly inclusive and open organisation. Seven Dials Playhouse is a relevant, dynamic and exciting organisation that responds to what the industry needs today.
Our Artistic Policy
Seven Dials Playhouse is a home for bold, creative, high-quality work.
We are looking for work that has something to say about the world we are living in and challenges convention. With a particular focus on new writing, we programme work by artists/creatives who offer new perspectives and new ways of thinking.
We programme work that is bold in terms of its content and structure; unafraid to challenge theatrical traditions and form. We want to see work on our stage that says things differently and asks big questions. Whilst we are interested in work that reflects or rejects a particular socio-cultural, -political or -economic moment, we are also keen to programme work that offers moments of enlightenment, joy and escape.
Our programming policy is non-prescriptive in terms of the career level of artists we work alongside, therefore industry standard definitions of ‘emerging versus established’ are not central to our programming model, as these measures of success are self-defined. Seven Dials Playhouse is, however, an unsubsidised registered charity so while your script will be read on the merit of its writing, it will also be considered in terms of production values, commerciality and viability.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do and we are committed to supporting artists/creatives to stage their work in the West End whilst providing a crucial stepping stone into the industry. All visiting companies receive rehearsal space in-kind as well as access to a production office during rehearsals and the production’s run. Visiting companies also receive in-house dramaturgical, production, marketing and PR support.
Diversity, inclusivity and accessibility are central to our programme at Seven Dials Playhouse. Our programming model is artist/creative-led but it is important that every audience member has the opportunity to see themselves represented on our stage. We are particularly interested in work that sits outside of the received theatrical canon; seeking work that pushes the boundaries and disciplines of the artists/creatives who make it, whilst challenging and invigorating the audiences who experience it.
Details on how to submit your script for 2024 will be announced soon along with submission window deadlines.
Senior Management
Chief Executive & Artistic Director
Amanda Davey (she/her) amanda@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Programme Director
Katie Pesskin (she/her) katie@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Programme
Programme Coordinator
Jessica Monaghan (she/her) jess@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Duty Managers
Allison Heinz (she/her) dutymanager@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Corinna Herriot (she/her) dutymanager@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Front of House Assistants
Amelia Crabtree (she/they)
Luanda Yasmin (they/them)
Olivia Donati Clarke (she/her)
Sarah Carvalho (they/them)
Charlotte Pine (she/her)
Izzy McCole (she/her)
James Allen (he/him)
Harvey Metcalfe (he/him)
Amy Rushent (they/them)
Elihu Ngbodi (he/him)
Tobias Engelbrektsson (he/him)
Florian Saturley (he/him)
Board
Andrew Subramaniam (Acting Chair)
Stuart Boxall
Faye Castelow
Reece McMahon
Irfan Mughal
Ian Nicol
Jamie Wilkes
Casual Technicians
Seven Dials Playhouse is looking for a pool of casual technicians to assist in delivering its wide-ranging programme, in particular its upcoming Edinburgh preview season.
They will work across the programme to support the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of stage, electrics and sound requirements on fit-ups, productions, and strikes/get outs. They will also ensure compliance with Health and Safety and relevant legislation.
Application Process:
Please apply with a CV and one-page cover letter, detailing your experience, and how your skills and experience fit the role, to programming@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
We accept applications on a rolling basis and there is no deadline for applications. If we feel your application fits the criteria for the role, we will contact you to arrange an interview.
Please see below for the Casual Technician Job Description
Duties for the role include but are not limited to:
● Acting as venue tech when in the building.
● Preparing and operating lighting, sound and technical equipment asdirected and to the highest possible technical standards.
● Setting up technical equipment as specified by artists.
● Supporting artists during technical rehearsals.
● Rigging and focusing lights.
● Programming lighting cues.
● Completing sound checks.
● Ensuring good housekeeping and undertaking maintenance of the backstage and storage areas as instructed. Reporting any defects or faults not within your control.
● Ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety legislation and Seven Dials Playhouse’s policies and procedures.
● Attending meetings where necessary.
We are always interested to hear from established or newly emerging theatre companies and artists who are looking for studio spaces whether it's for auditions, R&D, rehearsals, workshops or private events.
When not in use for the Associated Programme, the studios at Seven Dials Playhouse are available to book by the hour. Hourly rates are available for creative freelancers, between 11am and 6pm.
Our ideal West End location makes it a perfect space for different needs. For corporate bookings, workshops or longer rehearsal periods, a bespoke package will be created. We can offer other services, such as catering and drinks, depending on your requirements. Please contact hires@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
STUDIO 1
Dimensions: 30ft x 16ft = 480 sq ft
Capacity: 40 seated, 50 standing
Studio 1 is our largest rehearsal space and can accommodate a number of space set ups. With a mirrored wall, semi-sprung floors and sound system, this space is particularly suitable for workshops, dance and musical theatre.
It can also be used for closed sharings, large meetings, small conferences, private events, amongst others.
Tables, chairs, sofas, and piano can be provided in the space.
STUDIO 2
Dimensions: 21 ft x 20 ft = 420 sq ft
Capacity: 20 seated, 30 standing
Studio 2 is the perfect space for rehearsals, R&D sessions, readings and auditions. It has acoustic panelling, and tables, chairs and a piano are available upon request.
STUDIO THEATRE
Dimensions: 29ft x 22ft = 638 sq ft
Capacity: 50 seated, 60 standing
Our Studio Theatre is a black box space, perfectly adaptable to different needs, from sharings and performances, to workshops, parties, and training.
VOCAL STUDIO
Dimensions: 10ft x 15ft = 150 sq ft
Capacity: 10 seated, 15 standing
The vocal studio is our most intimate space and is popular for singing, small auditions, one to ones, and meetings. The space is fully soundproofed and piano can be provided.
Other technical equipment is available to hire for an additional fee.
Feedback from previous visiting companies:
"It was perfect for us, and thanks for all your team's help with organising!"
Donmar Warehouse
"It was a great space and you were all so accommodating! We’ll keep you in mind for the future."
Sonia Friedman Productions
"We are so grateful for your hospitality, support, and patience (where needed) throughout the process. You were all more than welcoming and lovely and it was much appreciated by everyone."
East 15
"It was perfect. Thanks to your wonderful team for everything. We will absolutely back. The venue is lovely, really love it." "It was the perfect space for us to rehearse.
Northern Ireland Screen
"Every one of the staff members we met at Seven Dials Playhouse was incredibly helpful, and welcoming – we really appreciated all of the their work."
The Drive Project
"Seven Dials Playhouse hosted our consultancy for a 2-day leadership team meeting which required a central London location and facilities to cater for in-person and virtual attendance in a private setting. From the well-equipped room, quality catering and relaxed ambience of the public spaces, all our needs were met. Special mention goes to the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Highly recommended."
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