In Durham Student Theatre, we predominantly use three different types of spaces: The Assembly Rooms Theatre, a historic 175-seat proscenium arch theatre; Black Box spaces, temporary, intimate spaces perfect for contemporary pieces; and Site-Specific spaces, perfect for creating unique and immersive experiences.

The Assembly Rooms Theatre

A historic 175-seat proscenium arch theatre in the heart of Durham City. It is the main venue used by Durham Student Theatre.

Site-Specific Spaces
DST theatre companies use a plethora of innovative and charming locations, uniquely adapting the spaces to immerse the audience.

(1) Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre

The Assembly Rooms Theatre is a historic 175-seat proscenium arch theatre in the heart of Durham City.

It is the main venue used by Durham Student Theatre and is host to over 30 productions a year. It is also home to the Durham Student Theatre executive committee office, a box office, workshop, green room, two changing rooms, props and costume store, and a scene dock.

 

DST manages the theatre in conjunction with the University. Since we completed a £100,000 refurbishment programme generously funded by the Gillian Dickinson Trust, we have seen even more improvements to the building allowing for a better standard of facilities and technical equipment. This allowed us to restore the main auditorium to its former design, install a modern and functional box office foyer area, and allow for better technical support for incoming productions.

The theatre is located on North Bailey, opposite Hatfield College. (40 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET)

More information and contact details can be found at www.theassemblyroomstheatre.org

Use of The Assembly Rooms Theatre

Internal hires refer to hires of the theatre made by DST affiliated theatre companies.

All DST theatre companies can apply for a slot in the theatre during term, which include full production weeks and Sunday slots. Slots aren’t limited to any specific type of theatre, and we welcome anything from plays to musicals, from showcases to concerts, and more. Allocations are done on a termly basis and details of applications dates and deadlines are made available in the DST weekly e-mail. If you have any questions about the slot allocation process please e-mail our Secretary at [email protected].

External hires refer to hires of the theatre made by external companies and organisations.

The theatre is in use by DST affiliated theatre companies during university term-time, however it is available for hire to outside organisations during university vacations at extremely competitive rates. For more information please contact our Theatre Manager at [email protected].

(2) Site-Specific spaces

Durham city has many historic and quirky places in which to perform theatre. Our theatre companies frequently make good use of spaces around the city of Durham, such as:

  • The Castle
  • The Cathedral 
  • Private college spaces including Joachim room in Hild Bede, Birley Room in Hatfield and The Mark Hillery Arts Centre in Collingwood.
  • City Theatre
  • The Gala Theatre
  • Clubs including Babylon & Fabio’s Bar
  • Durham Union Debating Chamber
  • Alington House Community Centre

This is something that is unique to Durham, especially when creating site-specific work.

Take a look at some of our most used site-specific spaces in the gallery below: