Technical

This information is intended for visiting companies or those hiring the Theatre

It may also be interesting to potential volunteers looking to learn more about the Theatre

We do our best to keep these up to date but some details, especially the Lighting Plan, can change depending on productions.

If you're bringing a show to the Theatre, please eMail the technical team in advance to ensure that we can accommodate your requirements.

Fixed Lighting Rig

From 2024, The Little Theatre has a largely fixed LED lighting rig incorporating full spectrum LED and moving lights carefully designed to accommodate most performances with minimal refocussing or repositioning of fixtures and enables The Little Theatre to host many performances with minimal effort as well as ad-hoc use by local groups.

If this doesn't meet your requirements where possible we ask that you do not refocus or move any of these lanterns but rather hang additional fixtures if required.

We have a small stock of additional fixtures, and you're welcome to bring your own (subject to safety checks and appropriate rigging hardware)

Since migrating to a full LED house rig we no longer maintain a stock of gel. As our crew are volunteers, we generally cannot accomodate pre-rigs.

Cinema and Projection

The Little Theatre is, first and foremost, a theatre. We have recently started a programme of National Theatre Live Screenings and to achieve this we have a quality projector and screen.

The theatre can be hired for screenings but please note that we are not a cinema, and have only 2.1 sound and do not currently have the ability to play encrypted DCP.

Screening of any commercial film (with our without a paid audience) will usually require a Single Title Screening License, you will be responsible for the cost of this and any other licensing required. You will also have to provide the film in a suitable format (Clear DCP, Digital File (Prores, H265 etc), or Blu-Ray). Digital formats are preferred.

Atmospherics and Pyro

We have a smoke machine and a hazer, visiting companies are welcome to use either in their production although a small charge may be levied for fluids. You are welcome to bring your own non-pyrotechnic and water-based atmospheric effects.

Oil-based effects (crackers) and CO2 based effects (such as low foggers, or dry ice) require additional risk assessment and are not normally considered suitable for use in The Little Theatre

The use of pyrotechnic effects of any kind is strictly by prior arrangement with the Resident Stage Manager and Theatre Manager and will not normally be granted except to those who can provide evidence of training. In any event, the selection of devices must involve those named above.

The Little Theatre Management reserves the right to amend or refuse the use of any effect.