Donald Roy Theatre

This was the first purpose built drama studio for a university department of drama in the United Kingdom. The principal criterion for the design was flexibility with an easy changeover from one stage and seating plan to another. The drama studio is a square space measuring 57 feet with the acting area placed centrally. The floor space is removable in sections so that traps can be accommodated almost anywhere. Beneath the stage is a basement connecting with the dressing rooms. The grid is 40 feet and has a double purchase counterweight system. Lighting galleries are inbuilt around all four sides of the auditorium. The proscenium is formed by four moveable stage towers. Seating is on moveable rostra which allows the audience to be arranged to view a transverse or thrust stage with the further alternative of theatre in the round. An excellent example of a flexible studio ‘black box’ performance space. This is an extremely influential design which has been emulated in many places.