Technical Specification
theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall - Haldane

Key information

Venue Number

Venue 53

Address

The Royal College of Surgeons (Quincentenary Hall)
Nicolson Street
EDINBURGH
EH8 9DW

Address - for flyer & poster delivery

No earlier than 0900 on Monday July 29th 2024 to:

theSpaceUK
Venue 43 Symposium Hall
King Khalid Building
The Royal College of Surgeons
Hill Square
EDINBURGH
EH8 9DR

Box Office

eTickets are released on sale periodically through the spring on our website www.thespaceuk.com.

During the Fringe we also operate in-person sales at our Box Office Shed at theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall, and "pay as you enter" sales on the doors of our theatres. All in-person sales are credit/debit card only. You can call our box office on 0131 510 2384 but please be aware we do not offer sales via telephone.

Tickets are also available via the Fringe's website tickets.edfringe.com and app.

On-site Contacts

During the Fringe the venue can be reached in the following ways:

  • Queries about shows and the venue in general can be directed to our Shed Team on boxoffice@thespaceuk.com or +44 (0)131 510 2384
  • The Venue Production Team can be contacted directly on production.south@thespaceuk.com or +44 (0)131 510 2394

 

Directions

If arriving by train, leave Edinburgh Waverley Station by the main exit on to Waverley Bridge and turn left. At the mini roundabout cross over onto Cockburn Street. At the top of Cockburn Street turn left onto the Royal Mile and immediately right on to North Bridge.

Continue along North Bridge until it becomes Nicholson Street, The Royal College of Surgeons is on your left opposite the Festival Theatre.

Loading Access

It is recommended to try to park on Drummond Street, and carry items round the corner to the front entrance. The Haldane Theatre is up a flight of stairs (or passenger lift) from the foyer area. Please ask your pre-production manager for advice regarding load-in of bulky items.

Venue Design

Performance Area

The stage is 5 x 2m and is 30cm high. It is covered with black painted hardboard, so to preserve the finish please ensure your costume does not use shoes with stiletto heels. Small spike marks are permitted - we advise initialling them or using coloured tape to distinguish them, and cut rather than tearing for longevity.

Stage Entrances

There is backstage space behind the black drapes at the rear of the stage. There are two entrances in the drapes in the USL and USR locations. Onstage grid clearance approximately 3m.

Auditorium

The venue is fully carpeted and fully enclosed with black drapes. Seating is end-on; seats 49 audience, one FOH manager.

Dressing Facilities

There is no dedicated dressing room at the venue. There are toilets adjacent.

Storage

There is a small amount of storage behind the drapes in the venue which is shared between all companies.

Please make your Pre-Production Manager aware of any fragile items you wish to use, and ensure they are carefully wrapped and packed in storage to avoid breakage by others in the confined, dark area.

Costumes should be taken away with you or stored in large cases/crates for protection. Anything required for show promotion or performances elsewhere must be taken away daily as no access is possible outside your slot.

Refer to the FAQ for details of permitted and restricted set design materials.

Control Position

The lighting and sound control position is in the auditorium. There is no comms or cue light system to backstage.

Lighting

The venue has a complete and flexible LED-based lighting rig, fully equipped for any Fringe production. The rig is mounted on a truss structure that encloses the stage.

Your technical rehearsal will go more smoothly if your lighting designer can contact us in advance with your requirements and/or how you are planning to use the rig.

General Cover

The fixed-focus rig comprises:

  • Front light: 5x 1200W-equivalent LED fresnels in 5 sections across the stage. (Open white)
  • Back light: 3x LED PARs mounted to the rear of the stage.
  • Side light: 2x LED PARs.

Specials

Specials may be re-focussed to your design.

  • 3 x Source4 Lustr2 LED Profiles on the front truss

Houselights

  • LED Floods controlled from the lighting console

Control

  • 2024: Chamsys QuickQ 20

Sound

The sound system is designed for everything from effects to small scale musical theatre.

Sources

  • 3.5mm mini-jack cable supplied to connect additional equipment such as an MP3 player or laptop computer.

Control

  • 8 channel analogue sound desk

PA System

  • d&b Audiotechnik E12 loudspeaker system & amplification

The loudspeaker system comprises 2 cabinets. These are mounted in the truss rig to give a stereo image.

Available Equipment

These may be shared with adjacent theSpaceUK venues so please let us know if you wish to use any of the following:

  • 2 x Shure SM58 microphones with stands.
  • 1 x DI box for electric pianos etc.

Tie-Lines

24-channel multicore between the stage and control position.

Sound Levels

We are required to consider neighbours at night with respect to sound levels. At all our venues staff reserve the right to limit sound levels for the sake of other venues or building users, or for reasons of public health.

Projection

Please see our FAQ on projection - we don't provide a projector or screen, and our staff are not trained in the operation of projectors. Projection effects are particularly hard to achieve in this venue due to height clearance, stage size and lack of hanging space for a projector. Please include this requirement in your show information when applying so we can discuss the practicalities with you.

Projectors can be used on stage, or hung from the truss and left in situ (if space is available and lights are not impeded; seek advice). A long cable will be required to reach the control position. Please discuss this with your pre-production manager.

Screens may be floor standing (preferably) or hung from the truss supporting the upstage drapes.

Bringing additional equipment

This venue can support a range of additional equipment to enhance your show, subject to the limitations of time. As there are further constraints of space, connections and power any use of your own equipment must be discussed with your Pre-Production Manager in advance; please see our FAQ regarding electrical equipment.

Notifying Us

The shows that are most successful are those that maintain good communication with their Pre-Production Manager throughout their development.

Aside from generally keeping us in the loop with your plans, and responding to requests for information by given deadlines, you must contact us in good time if:

  • you wish to use the space differently;
  • you want to hang anything from the scaffolding or truss;
  • your show requires the use of a projector;
  • you are planning on bringing any of your own (or
  • hired) equipment;
  • you wish to use any special effects;
  • you have any items of set that require access or storage considerations;
  • you would like advice on making the most of the venue or achieving a particular artistic effect; or
  • you are unsure about any aspect of your arrival, load-in, technical rehearsal or show day routine that is not answered in the FAQs.

Plans and downloads

Document Download link

Plan

 Download

Lighting Plan

 Download