Technical Specification
theSpace @ Symposium Hall - Main Theatre
Key information
Venue Number
Venue 43
Address
Symposium Hall
King Khalid Building
The Royal College of Surgeons
Hill Square
EDINBURGH
EH8 9DR
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 2392
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 on to the Royal Mile and immediately right on to North Bridge.
Continue along North Bridge until it becomes Nicolson Street. Pass the main Royal College of Surgeons on your left and turn left into Hill Place. Pass theSpace Triplex and turn left into Hill Square. Symposium Hall is on the far side of the small square.
Loading Access
It is usually possible to unload directly into the venue from Hill Square where there is limited parking. There is also a disabled access lift at the rear. The venue is up a set of stairs or small lift. Discuss any specific load-in requirements with your Pre-Production Manager.
Venue Design
Performance Area
There is a small raised, curved stage which is raised by approximately 0.3m 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.
The stage is backed with black drapes which rest against the wall.
Ceiling height from the stage is approximately 5.3m.
Stage Entrances
Enter from either side of the auditorium. The theatre does not have wing space adjacent to the stage, or a crossover from one side to another, and you can't get behind the backing drapes. You can however remain unseen just inside the auditorium entrances.
Auditorium
The venue is designed as a permanent lecture theatre with heavily raked seating (comfortable leather seats seating 24 audience members at 2m distancing). Walls are painted in a neutral colour with some original brickwork features.
Dressing Facilities
There is no dedicated dressing room at the venue; access to the performance space is permitted only during your slot so we advise arriving ready to start. There is a busy shared green room/dressing room/store room on the ground floor.
Storage
This venue is not intended for complex theatre shows - storage for set pieces is very limited and is downstairs from the venue so please keep to a minimum. Costumes, instruments etc. may be stored but please keep packed carefully in suitable cases to protect against accidental damage.
Refer to the FAQ for details of permitted and restricted set design materials.
Control Position
The lighting and sound control position is a permanent booth at the rear of the auditorium, accessed only via the main aisle.
Lighting
The venue has a limited lighting rig which is designed to highlight the stage area in a general wash. There is very limited flexibility so please contact us well in advance if this is likely to cause you a problem.
General Cover
- 2x ETC Source 4 Zoom 15-30 profile
- 4x ETC Source 4 Jr Zoom 25-50 profile
Specials
Not applicable.
Houselights
- Installed architectural lighting which can be dimmed from the control booth. The windows are fitted with remotely controlled blackout blinds.
Dimming
- 12 channels of dimming, but see general point above.
Control
- Strand 100 Series lighting console.
Sound
A full-range PA system for speech and playback audio amplification is installed in the venue.
Sources
- 3.5mm mini-jack cable supplied to connect additional equipment such as an MP3 player or laptop computer.
Control
- Allen & Heath dLive digital sound desk.
Loudspeakers
- 2x Tannoy V12 Main loudspeakers
- 2x Tannoy V8 Rear Fill loudspeakers
- 2x Tannoy VS10BP Subwoofers
Speakers are situated in the auditorium as part of the permanent installation and comprise Main and Rear Fill pairs of tops and a pair of subs at the front.
There is no on-stage audio monitoring.
Available Equipment
The following are available by prior request:
- 1x DI box for electric pianos etc.
Tie-Lines
Ample permanently installed tie lines to the stage. Let us know your intentions and ideas and we can give further details.
Sound Levels
This venue is fairly well isolated, so considerable sound levels are achievable here without affecting others. However at all our venues staff reserve the right to limit sound levels for the sake of other venues or building users, or for reasons or public health.
Projection
The Symposium Hall has an installed video projector and screen available for your use. The projector is a Panasonic PT-D10000 10,000 Lumen, 3-chip DLP projector. The screen, fitted above the stage area, is a motorised 150-inch Stewart FilmScreen LXC 150V with GreyHawk fabric. The projection source can be DVD, alternatively a computer is available for PowerPoint slides, etc.
Alternatively, you may connect your own laptop. This is the preferred solution as you can keep your files secure and you will have the correct software for your requirements.
Projection sources must be located in and controlled from the control position - they cannot be fed from the stage.
Please contact us to discuss your projection plans in any case.
Bringing additional equipment
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 |
|---|---|
General Plan |
Download |