Students’ Union President Daisy Watson has raised fears as to the future of the University of Sheffield Drama Studio, the site of many student theatre productions, and the main venue of both the Sheffield University Theatre Company (SUTCo) and Sheffield University Performing Arts Society (SUPAS).
Speaking to Forge TV in the debut episode of This Week in Sheffield, hosted by Adam Husicka, Watson spoke about her upcoming projects for this year.
She told viewers that the SU Officers are “…[seeing] how we can get more funding into the arts at university, ensuring the Drama Studio stays open & is looked after as much as possible…”
Watson’s comments are the first that has been heard publicly regarding the future of the Drama Studio, leaving its future currently unclear to those who use the space.
Both SUTCo and SUPAS are still dealing with the planned demolition of the Barber House Annexe, their primary storage space, which was revealed to them earlier this year.
Whilst initially no alternative provision was provided, the groups have recently been informed that their items can be moved into a “cozy” section of the Drama Studio site, a process which the students themselves are charged with.
Neither group were aware that the future of the Drama Studio was in jeopardy.
Forge Press Arts & Theatre has since reached out to President Watson, who attempted to clarify her comments on the show:
“My mention of the Drama Studio was simply an example of the type of arts facilities on campus that we have and would like to see improved”.
“I’m committed to advocating for the arts in general […] continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders to support these spaces”.
Activities & Development Officer Anna Campbell has also spoken out about the future of the site, and is “having conversations” with the managing body Performance Venues, which also oversees Firth Court and the Octagon.
Campbell has highlighted that the Drama Studio is “one of the only dedicated performing arts spaces we have on campus” and has spoken about the need to keep arts provision in local areas.
“I am passionate about ensuring the performing arts and the incredible work our student group’s are doing receive more recognition […] One of my goals for this year is to ensure the University better values the performing arts”
“I am committed to ensuring all of our societies feel supported to do their activities despite the challenges we’re navigating”
Should the Drama Studio be facing an uncertain future, it would be the latest on an ever-growing list of performance spaces closing across the country, with 40% of theatre spaces at risk of closure in the next year, according to the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre’s Capital Investment in Theatre Buildings study.
This includes Sheffield’s Abbeydale Picture House, which was a new entrant onto this year’s ‘Theatres at Risk’ register, compiled by Theatres Trust in January, due to “significant deterioration” over the past year.
This was followed by Sheffield’s Theatre Deli closing its doors in May, days after the University of Sheffield Light Entertainment Society (USLES) performed their summer show in the venue.
Speaking recently in an interview with Forge Press Arts & Theatre, the new Chair of the Parliamentary Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee, The Rt. Hon. Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, warned that when it comes to the creative arts: “successive leaders have undervalued their importance”
“The power to bring communities together, to regenerate left-behind areas” is a key feature of culture and performing arts, “are worth more than the aerospace, automotive, life sciences and oil and gas sectors combined”. It is estimated that for every £1 spent on theatre tickets, £1.40 is spent in the wider local economy.
Whilst a short, throwaway comment in an interview, President Watson’s example of the “Drama Studio stay[ing] open” has raised concerns as to the future of performing arts at The University of Sheffield, and the impact on student groups should the venue face closure.
Whilst little else has been said on the subject, if the Drama Studio was to close, at least seven annual productions created by students in SUTCo and SUPAS would be forced to find new venues.
Given the rate of closure in Sheffield and beyond, this would leave the performance societies with very little remaining options.
