Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Premier Performing Arts Venue in Plymouth
The Barbican Theatre is a dynamic charity established in 1980, dedicated to nurturing emerging artists and young creatives in theatre, dance, and the performing arts. With over four decades of experience, we challenge traditional artistic boundaries and empower young people to develop their creative and social skills. Our work spans community engagement, talent development, and producing high-quality performances that reflect contemporary issues.We prioritise accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, ensuring diverse audiences and participants can engage with our programmes. Our commitment to innovation and risk-taking has positioned us as a regional centre of excellence, supporting artists from conception to professional development while fostering cultural growth in Plymouth and the South West.
Services
Theatre Productions
Dance Workshops
Artist Development
Youth Programmes
Venue Hire
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 42 years of experience in nurturing emerging theatre and dance talent.
- Community-focused programmes prioritising accessibility and inclusion.
- Diverse, risk-taking artistic approach challenging traditional theatre models.
- Affordable training and performance opportunities for young creatives.
- Regional partnerships amplifying underrepresented cultural voices.
What people say
Fantastic evening performance
Innovative theatre experience
Liberates imagination of young people
Accessible and inclusive venue
Champions underrepresented voices
Services
Theatre Productions
We produce cutting-edge theatre that challenges conventions and amplifies emerging voices. Our work engages audiences with contemporary narratives and experimental storytelling techniques. Each production involves rigorous development with young artists.
Dance Workshops
Project-based dance sessions empower participants to explore diverse styles and choreograph original work. Focused on skill development and creative expression for ages 12-25. Sessions blend technical training with collaborative creation.
Artist Development
We offer mentoring, discounted venue hire, and networking opportunities for emerging artists. Our programmes include one-to-one guidance and professional development tailored to individual career stages and artistic needs.
Youth Programmes
Barbican Pathways provides paid opportunities for under-30 creatives to develop touring productions. Combines mentorship, technical training, and performance experience to build sustainable arts careers through structured 10-month programmes.
Venue Hire
Flexible spaces available for rehearsals, performances, and community events. Includes 144-seat auditorium, rehearsal studio, and B-Bar venue. Discounted rates offered to supported artists and local creatives.
People
Sally Burne
Executive Producer
With 20+ years in arts production, Sally leads talent development initiatives and mentors emerging creatives. She specialises in career strategy and freelance support for theatre professionals.
Ray
Programming Coordinator
Manages venue programming and artist collaborations. Focuses on curating diverse performances that reflect local cultural narratives and contemporary themes.
Dulcie
Youth Engagement Lead
Develops youth-focused projects and school partnerships. Ensures accessibility for under-18 participants through tailored workshops and community outreach programmes.
Laura Kriefman
Choreographer
Award-winning choreographer directing innovative dance productions. Specialises in blending street dance with contemporary styles for large-scale community performances.
Sarah
Marketing Director
Oversees brand strategy and audience engagement. Focuses on digital outreach to attract younger demographics and promote underrepresented artists.
Questions
Do you support independent artists?
Yes, through discounted venue hire, mentoring, and our Artist Mixer networking events. Apply via our website's artist development section.
Are your venues accessible?
All spaces have wheelchair access. B-Bar offers relaxed performances. Contact us for specific accessibility requirements.
What youth programmes are available?
Barbican Pathways offers paid opportunities for under-30s. ReBels classes allow 12-25-year-olds to create original productions.
Can I hire your spaces for events?
Yes, our auditorium, studio, and B-Bar are available. Visit the 'Book our spaces' section for details and pricing.
How are community voices represented?
We co-create projects with local groups, prioritising underrepresented narratives in our programming and outreach initiatives.
Videos
