Theatre expansion plan to welcome more performers

A storeroom at a thriving theatre in Lancashire has been earmarked as a new dance studio and rehearsal room.

The Blackburn Empire Theatre in Aqueduct Road, Ewood, has applied for approval to convert the empty space to welcome even more performers.

It has applied for planning permission for the change of use of the existing vacant storage area into a dance studio with new reception office and entrance.

The application is to convert a large room in the performing arts centre attached to the main theatre, which has been used for storage for a number of years.

It would entail removing a large shuttered door on to the car park and creating a new separate entrance area for a rehearsal studio and totally refurbishing the storage area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A spokesman for the charity which runs the 330-seat volunteer-run theatre said the application was part of the theatre's "ongoing commitment to provide the best facilities possible to encourage community participation in the arts".

It follows major transformations to the bars in the balcony and smartening up the public areas in the main theatre with further improvements to the toilets in the bar area to follow.

The Berry Room – named after former chairman of the theatre Michael Berry who was a driving force behind its restoration – has undergone a major facelift with new flooring and portable mirrors and portable bar being installed offering a studio space suitable both for rehearsals and performances.

He added: "At a time when the arts in general are having a hard time nationally, the Empire offers a vital hub for the local community and an additional space will help us meet the demand and encourage those interested in performance."

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