St Andrews University has revealed more details of its proposed rescue package for the Byre Theatre, which would result in the award-winning venue reopening permanently for university and community use.
The Courier revealed that a formal bid by the university is being recommended for approval in a report to next week’s Fife Council executive committee in Glenrothes.
Now, the university has confirmed its ambitious proposals foresee a sustainable future for the Byre designed to benefit students, staff, local amateur dramatic groups and the wider population of St Andrews and Fife.
The vision would be in line with Byre founder Alexander Paterson’s vision for a modern theatre addressing the needs of the entire community.
The university says key elements of its bid to run the Byre on a 25-year lease include:
* Extensive opportunities for student and community engagement;
* Prudent use of the theatre during the day for lectures, teaching and music rehearsal;
* An enhanced range of public performances;
* A focus for the university’s music and drama outreach activities;
* Significant university expenditure on the acoustic upgrading of the main auditorium;
* A sustainable management structure;
* A boost to Fife visitor numbers;
* The Byre cafe and box office reopened to the public;
* No cost to the public purse the university would not seek a subsidy from Fife Council.
During the working day it is intended the main auditorium would be used as a university teaching space for lectures in English, social anthropology, film studies and music, while the studio theatre would be used for the teaching of drama and script-writing as well as for orchestra rehearsals and informal performances.
During evenings and weekends, the main auditorium would become an arts centre providing a focus for student and community-led music and drama.
It would also continue to support and facilitate major festivals such as StAnza, St Andrews Voices, the Fife Jazz Festival and On the Rocks.
Professional touring companies would be encouraged to visit the Byre and the university would use its strategic partnerships with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Scottish Opera to provide exciting opportunities for the wider community.
It is also proposed the Byre would again host pantomimes and offer an exciting new summer season.
Art films, mini film festivals and live broadcasts from the likes of the National Theatre, Royal Opera and Metropolitan Opera would also form part of the Byre’s public programme.
At the same time the Byre would become the administrative base of the university’s music centre, currently located in the Younger Hall, providing a more appropriate base for the lunchtime and evening chamber concerts.
These concerts include regular performances by soloists from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the university’s orchestra in residence.
In the last year they have included a major new series of Thursday evening chamber concerts. This venture, a partnership between the university and St Andrews Music Club, has brought internationally-renowned performers to the town, with some of the concerts broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
The Byre would also become the permanent base for St Andrews Opera, whose annual productions have become a significant part of the town’s cultural life since its formation by the music centre in 2008.
The company’s new production of Britten’s comedy Albert Herring will open at the Byre in June before touring to Perth Concert Hall and the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock.