Artscape Theatre
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Untitled Document
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Overview
D F Malan Street
Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
The Artscape Theatre Centre is the main performing arts centre in Cape Town, South Africa. It was opened in 1971 and is located on reclaimed land in the Foreshore area.
Description
Artscape Theatre Centre and Nico Malan Highscool is the main performing arts centre in Cape Town, South Africa. It was opened in 1971 and is located on reclaimed land in the Foreshore area. The complex includes:
Opera House
The auditorium seats 1487 with provision for two wheelchairs.
There are 23 rows of seats in the stalls and 8 rows on the balcony.
The distance from curtain to back rows are respectively 26.10m and 29.70m
Theatre
The auditorium seats 540 if the orchestra pit is not utilised. The pit size is adjustable and either one or two rows of seats are removed to cater for the orchestra pit, reducing the capacity to either 520 or 498 seats. There is provision for two wheelchairs in the auditorium. There are 16 rows of seats (without the pit). The distance from curtain to back row is 19.90m
Arena
The Artscape Arena theatre was originally the right side stage of Artscape Theatre stage.
The raked auditorium can seat 139 people. The open-ended stage (no procenium) is 10m wide and 5.5m deep. There is no fly gallery. Drops, screens and props can be hung from bars temporarily suspended from the lighting grid. A cosy bar at street level offers opportunities for intimate art exhibitions and private parties. The lighting and sound rigs are basic and are re-figured and added to as required.
Artscape Foyers
The various foyers in the Artscape theatre Centre offer versatile configurations for miscellaneous events. Whether it is a private party, a children's theatre performance, a static exhibition, a meeting, a cocktail party, a banquet, a poetry reading or a dance, these invitingly open spaces reflect generosity and style. The colour schemes allow for easy implementation of theme specific decoration.
Artscape Function Rooms
There are two function rooms which make ideal break away rooms; for small conferences, seminars or meetings; or for other types of private functions. Each is equipped with a small private kitchen.
Artscape Rehearsal Rooms
There are two rehearsal rooms on third floor of Opera House wing which are the same size as the Opera House main stage. A third rehearsal room is situated in the Theatre wing. The Annexe is a temporary facility behind the Theatre wing and is used for training, smaller rehearsals and workshops.
Founders Garden
The ± 11 000 m2 spacious tree filled garden is adjacent to the staff car park. Ideal for marquee tents, film shoots, outdoor concerts, etc. In one corner of the garden, the Zip Zap Circus training school is currently housed in a large, purpose built tent.
Piazza
The impressive 2 730m2 piazza at the front of the theatre centre is ideal for film- or photo shoots and outdoor festivals
Restaurants & bars
Public Restaurant: News Café situated at the front of the Theatre Complex adjacent to the Piazza, and also accessible from to the Marble Foyer. Staff Restaurant: Fully equipped staff canteen on second floor. Bars are located in several foyers, serving each of the performance venues.
Industrial
A décor workshop/store facility (12 000m2) is situated in the Epping industrial area, where sets are manufactured, painted and repertory décor is stored. A Wardrobe facility for the manufacture of costumes, wigs, millinery etc. is housed in a large building (PMH) on the outskirts of the City of Cape Town. Also located in this facility is a design studio, and the Artscape Technical Training Academy where trainee stage technicians are educated in all aspects of stage technology. A large storage facility for costumes is independently located in Green Point, a suburb close to the city.
The Artscape Theatre Centre was formerly known as the Nico Malan theatre complex, after the former National Party administrator of the Cape Province, Dr Johannes Nicholas Malan, who initiated the project. The centre was renamed in 1999, when the Artscape company replaced the former Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB).
The Artscape Theatre Centre is also the home of Fine Music Radio.
Locations
D F Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
Photo Gallery
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Map Location
