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This year, artsUCL are introducing two new ways to put something on in the Bloomsbury Theatre - Category B&C productions!
Category B&C productions are one-night shows in the Bloomsbury Theatre and have been created to get more students onstage at the Bloomsbury Theatre.
Category B&C shows are not just for arts societies, they are also for cultural groups, sports clubs, and any group that has a flair for the dramatic - a Category B&C show would be perfect for any club or society that has something to show an audience.
As opposed to standard Bloomsbury Theatre productions (now known as Category A productions), there is no lengthy bid process a year in advance - you can have an idea and put it on within weeks!
Category B&C productions are a unique opportunity to bring ideas to life in a 545-seat Theatre, with the support of a professional technical team behind you!
What are Category B&C shows?
Category B&C shows are an alternative way of clubs & societies using the Bloomsbury Theatre, as opposed to Category A productions - they are shorter runs in the Theatre and they are programmed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year.
Category B shows get two days in the Theatre - 10:00am to 10:00pm on Day 1, then 10:00am to 6:00pm on Day 2, before performing at 7:30pm on Day 2.
This means that Category B shows can use Day 1 to get-in and run a tech rehearsal, then do a dress rehearsal on Day 2. As such, they can have slightly more complicated technical requirements than a Category C.
Some examples of a Category B show could be: A large concert; A dance, vocal or cultural showcase; A drag show
Category C shows get one day in the Theatre - 10:00am to 6:00pm, before performing at 7:30pm.
This means Category C shows need to get-in, run a tech rehearsal, and do a dress rehearsal in 8hrs - as such, they must have very limited technical requirements.
Some examples of a Category C shows could be: A monologue slam; A talk or panel discussion; a small concert
Why have Category B&C shows been introduced?
We know that week-long engagements in the Theatre that are bid over a year in advance do not work for every club/society, so we decided to come up with a different way of doing things!
The aims behind Category B&C shows are simple - get more students onstage at the Bloomsbury Theatre, and offer clubs & societies that don't normally run events in Theatre the chance to put something on!
We are also really open to new and innovative ways of utilising the Bloomsbury Theatre, but do keep in mind that Category B&C shows are limited by time and capacity - just because the venue or the team can technically do something, doesn't mean that it can be done in the time available to you, or with the number of technicians available to you.
How to do I find out more?
You can find all the relevant information for bidding a Category B&C show in our Bloomsbury Theatre (Category B&C) Bidding Guidelines but some of the key highlights are:
Currently, all Category B&C bids must come from a Union-affiliated club/society, so the President of a club/society must submit the bid application form for a proposal to be considered, as this demonstrates that your bid has club/society support.
Every Category B&C show will receive a budget from artsUCL and are cost-neutral - there is no financial risk to the club/society!
Every proposal will need a 'Designated Producer' who is ultimately responsible for the show. This could be the person who had the idea, someone from the club/society committee or just a keen member who wants to support!
The available dates is a live list - the list of dates on the form will be updated throughout the year as dates become available/unavailable. You can find the list of dates on the form below:
Thanks for reading - if you have any questions that are not answered in our Bidding Guidelines, or if you just want to chat about a potential idea, then do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].