Fitzpatrick Hall - Queens' College
The Fitzpatrick Hall is one of the largest and most versatile performance spaces in Cambridge. Used for purposes ranging from college Ents to a badminton court, in its configuration as a theatre it has played host to many outstanding productions over the past 30 years.
There are four performance slots during each of the Michaelmas and Lent terms - a mainshow and a lateshow in Weeks 5 and 7. We would also consider 'one-night stands' at other times during the year. All applications to direct and perform should be addressed to
BATS. Please note that BATS does not generally co-fund productions.
Rehearsals
BATS shows can book the stage for rehearsals at any time - you will receive further information about this if your show is selected.
Technical information
The stage is a spacious proscenium arch type which can be raised or lowered by electric motors. Generally for performances the whole stage is raised 3' above floor level; however, it is possible to lower the front of the stage 4' below floor level for use as an orchestra pit. There is comfortable raked seating with a capacity of 208.
There are two dressing rooms, both with bathrooms attached. Access to the stage is by a door upstage left; there is a passageway behind the back tabs to get to the stage right side. Access to the audience seating is via a gallieres located midway up the seating; actors may use these, as well as auditorium entrances on the ground floor at the front and back of the seating.
There is also a stage manager's desk. The building is equipped with a Canford TecPro intercom system for communication between the Stage Manager and the lighting and sound boxes. TecPro units can also be placed around the stage, and in the auditorium.
There are 13 commonly used bars above stage: three electrically winched, internally wired lighting bars, two more electrically winched 'spare bars', and eight hemp bars, which could be used
Please contact the Technical Directors at td@batstheatre.org.uk if you have any questions.
Lighting
We have about 30 lanterns, mainly Cantata Profiles, Fresnels and Preludes. These are powered from three D54 dimmer packs which can be moved to near where they are used. There are 63A outlets and D54 control points throughout the building, so adding extra dimmers is very easy. They are controlled by a Strand 520 lighting desk.
Lanterns are usually rigged on the three electrical bars above stage, and on the lighting bridge which crosses the hall about half-way down the auditorium. There are also audience galleries (on the first floor) and technical galleries (on the second floor) running from the front to the back of the audience, which have bars often used for rigging lights. A common lighting arrangement is to rig four Cantata Profiles on the bridge as a front-of-house wash.
Sound
We have an 24-channel Allen & Heath mixing desk, with two CD player inputs. It may be possible to hire a minidisc player if required. There are plenty of spare channels to add other sources such as iPods, laptop computers or radio microphones, which you would have to provide yourself. There are eight XLR microphone inputs on stage which are also patched into the mixing desk.
Output is via two PA speakers in the auditorium. If required, extra speakers may be available for a small fee, but these provide more than enough capacity for most shows. We also have the capability to send sound to the front-of-house area.
Last edited Tue 6th May by Stuart Cuthbertson
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