From the pit to the gods

Do you know what a vomitory* is? From proscenium arches to prompt corners, the world of traditional theatre is full of interesting terms. If you’ve attended many shows over the years, worked in some, or perhaps performed yourself, you might be able to name the different areas and features that make up a typical theatre. However, identifying what really makes theatres tick, and the different things that they can mean to people, can be a bit trickier.

For many of us, a trip to the theatre will usually mean an outing to see an established show. But today’s clever venues tend to find success by mixing things up. They’ll draw in a wider range of people, attracting them to different types of events and at varied times, day and night. Their teams will have known that they need to keep existing customers interested. But crucially, they’ll also have recognised the importance of bringing in new audiences, by broadening their appeal and diversifying their programmes.

Making the most of our venue

The plans for the renewal of the Adam Smith Theatre took these kinds of issues seriously. It should always be a place that provides great theatre experiences, but it’ll also soon offer you a wider range of events and opportunities. By doing so, it’s hoped that it will not only maintain its role as an important provider of services to our community, but also become a creative hub in the heart of Kirkcaldy. With this in mind, what types of openings and activities might it unlock for you?

Well, we hope, for example, that it will help amateur actors to take their first steps in the world of theatre. It will also provide a warm, welcoming space for social moments, refreshments and a little conversation. It can act as an incubator for creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. It should form a sounding board for up-and-coming comics’ rough material. It can become that great new gig space for hotly-tipped bands. And it will maintain the magic of the silver screen in our little corner of the world (which, given recent events, is surely something to be grateful for).

* Vomitories, or vomitoriums, are the corridors, tunnel-like passageways or openings into theatres, amphitheatres and other large public venues, allowing people access into and out of the main auditorium.

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