About the Theatre
Théâtre Basse Passière is a unique 90-seat venue set in rural Normandy in `Le Parc Naturel Regional du Perche’, a beautiful conservation region, in the village of Préaux du Perche – just 1.5 hours from Paris. The imposing former stone farm buildings now house both the theatre, and a large, attractive reception and social area with views onto the surrounding countryside. There is also onsite farmhouse accommodation for cast and crew, and an immense courtyard, suitable for open air performances.
The theatre aims to provide a year-round performing arts programme: theatre, opera and dance, and will be a welcoming venue for all creative and artistic endeavours. Through developing informal partnerships and collaborative links with a variety of performing arts individuals and organisations, we will be able to provide a wide choice of innovative and classical performances. Residential retreats and workshops will also be offered and the whole venue can be hired out for other events.
This unique and beautiful theatre provides an atmospheric performance space for productions to enjoy and adapt to.
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This is a non profit making project reliant on private and public funding as well as box office sales.
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Opening and proposed program for the summer season 2021
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The opening of the theatre will take place with Sing Sistah Sing! by Andrea Baker on June 11 & 12
La Traviata (abridged version) by Regents Opera on July 10
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WOAD by Alastair White in August
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Handel's Alcina by Ensemble OrQuesta in September
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(All productions are subject to compliance with sanitary protocols recommended by Public Health France to fight against the spread of coronavirus. Outside performances are being planned.)
About the Space
Theatre Area - 13m long x 7.5 m wide x 12 m high
Stage Size - approx. 7.5m x 4.5m
Seating capacity - 85/90, seating is tiered in back two rows. There is a dramatically high Juliet balcony with access through the second floor of the building.
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There is a modular stage (approx. 7.5 x 4.5m.) which can be set up anywhere in the theatre - there is ample door access to accommodate different stage configurations.
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A basic sound system is provided, along with a power supply to the building for LED stage lighting. There are high, robust, trusses and lighting bars installed around the perimeter of the theatre, providing the ability to hang stage décor; curtains; projector screens; acoustic panels and additional lighting projectors. Cabling ducts are set into the floor for safe layout of stage lighting. 2 large bi-lateral structural beams can be used for additional lighting needs.
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Reception and Social Area looking out over the fields. Bar/basic kitchen facilities 73m.sq.
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Good backstage space with Dressing Room.
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The theatre and associated spaces have underfloor heating, allowing all-year-round performances and comfortable rehearsal spaces.
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Wifi is available.
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Our theatre is wheelchair accessible
