Beaufort Theatre facts for kids
The Beaufort Theatre is a main theatre located in Ebbw Vale, within Blaenau Gwent, Wales. It's a special place where people can enjoy live shows and community events.
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The Beaufort Theatre: A Community Hub
The Beaufort Theatre is more than just a building; it's a vibrant part of the community in Ebbw Vale. It offers a space for local talent to shine and for everyone to enjoy different kinds of performances.
What Makes the Theatre Special?
The theatre has a large space for audiences, called an auditorium, which can seat 338 people. It also has a big ballroom that's perfect for dances, concerts, and other events.
- The Stage: The stage has a special shape called a proscenium arch, which is like a big picture frame around the performance area. It also has an apron, which is a part of the stage that extends out into the audience.
- Behind the Scenes: The stage has equipment that allows scenery to be lifted up and down, making shows more exciting. Lights can also be moved to create different moods and effects for performances.
From Cinema to Community Stage
The Beaufort Theatre has an interesting history. It wasn't always a theatre; it started out as a cinema (a movie theatre).
- A Big Change: In the 1960s, the building was changed from showing movies to hosting live performances.
- Famous Visitors: Over the years, many well-known bands played in the theatre's ballroom before they became famous. These include groups like Mott the Hoople and The Stereophonics!
- Past Performances: In the past, the theatre hosted many professional shows, including plays, music concerts, modern dance, and other fun entertainment.
A Theatre for Everyone
Since April 3, 2017, the Beaufort Theatre has been managed by a local community group. Before that, it was part of a larger organization called Blaenau Gwent Venues.
- Local Talent: Today, the theatre is a home for nine local arts groups. These groups are made up of volunteers who put on their own shows there every year.
- Available for Hire: The theatre is still available for other amateur groups to rent and use for their own productions. This means many different people can experience performing on a real stage!
