A vision for a new type of live performance venue has been unveiled by The Vertical Theatre Group – a newly established organisation founded by a group of producers, creative and technical specialists last summer in response to the devastating impact of the pandemic on live entertainment.
Designed to help guarantee the future of live entertainment, The Vertical Theatre is an innovative, tourable, free-standing venue offering performance space for all types of live entertainment from theatre and festivals through to circus and televised events.
Founded by Stufish Entertainment Architects’ Ric Lipson and Paul Preston, live events and documentary producer Holly Gilliam, theatre producer Katy Lipson, production director Jake Berry and director/Digital Theatre founder Robert Delamere, The Vertical Theatre Group is already in initial discussions to bring their vision to life.
In a joint statement announcing details of the project, the founders said: “We are devoted to the vital importance of arts and culture. We believe they are an essential part of human experience, of what makes us who we are. We are very excited to be able to bring this innovative new venue offering to the live entertainment world at this pivotal moment for the future of the arts.’’
Ric Lipson, entertainment architect and partner at Stufish, added: “Creativity defines all the artists and partners we work with. At Stufish, we were excited to see what a new type of cross arts collaboration could produce, as we build a new vision for the future of live entertainment – The Vertical Theatre.”
The Vertical Theatre structure has a roof to protect the audience and stage from the elements with optional open sides for optimum airflow and natural ventilation. The audience sits in balconies which can accommodate groups between four and 12 people or designated ‘social bubbles’. The design allows for the inclusion of built-in global streaming equipment and features innovative food and beverage facilities.
Conceived with social distancing and the decentralisation of audiences in mind, the flexible design has the capacity for 1200 – 2400 people depending on ‘social distancing’ rules in operation. The space is also fully adaptable for a time when Covid-19 restrictions are no longer necessary.
The Vertical Theatre Group is optimistic that the project will be ready to roll-out later this year.
Angela Thomas
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