Originally built in the early 1970s, the Playhouse Theatre has continued to evolve to offer patrons and productions a space that is geared towards entertainment, comfort and enjoyment. The Playhouse has been in the theatre business for almost 80 years; meeting the requirements of both amateur and professional performers.
The Auditorium
Our Auditorium seats 194 patrons, including 2 wheelchair allocations
The Foyer
Our large and versatile Foyer can be utilised for a number of events and purposes, from rehearsal space to private events. For events, the space can comfortable accommodate 80 pax (sit down) and 150 pax (Standing / Cocktail).
The Foyer Kitchen
Our newly renovated Foyer Kitchen has ample storage and counter space, with multiple plug points.
The Snack Bar
Our concession has a wide range of sweets, snacks and cooldrinks available for sale during performance. It is also available for use during private hire, with staffing, at an additional fee.
The Encore Bar
Our newly built Encore Bar is a fully stocked, licensed bar, with a wide variety of alcoholic beverages available for purchase during performances. It, too, can be made available, with staff, for private hires.
The Lindsey Small Room (Green Room)
Our newly renovated Green Room includes a fully functioning kitchen and is the perfect space for Cast and Crew to relax and unwind before, during and after shows.
The Stage
Our large stage is the perfect space to showcase performances of all types, large and small. It also includes an Orchestra Pit that can be made available for a small additional fee.
The Dressing Rooms
We have 2 newly renovated dressing rooms, both with easy access to the stage and ample storage, seating and counter space. The larger dressing room comfortably accommodates 20 people, while the smaller dressing room accommodates 12. Accommodations can be made for larger casts.
The Tech Room
We have a fully functional (soon to be upgraded) Tech Room for where to control sound and lighting.
The Workshop
We have a large workshop where set pieces can be built and stored, and from which existing pieces can be hired for productions housed at our Theatre.
Parking
We have an onsite parking lot that can accommodate 42 cars, as well a spot across the road. Car guards are present at all shows to ensure the safety of your vehicles.
Ablution Facilities
We have 3 ablution facilities in the Foyer; 1 for women, 1 for men, and 1 for the physically disabled. We also have 2 Unisex ablution facilities in the Green Room and Dressing Room Space
For full technical details, download our Specs Document here. [COMING SOON]
Theatre Hire
Whether you’re looking to hire the full Theatre Complex for a production, individual spaces for once-off events, or for a long-term hire for your organisation, we have the space for you! We currently have a number of organisations that hire our Foyer for classes, rehearsals and weekly/monthly get togethers and have in the past, hired out the auditorium to various churches.
Spaces available for hire:
Full Theatre Complex
When hiring out the full Theatre Complex for a production, you will have access to all spaces during designated times, and your hire will include the following:
Snack and Encore Bar Facilities (performance nights only, unless otherwise specified)
Car Guards (performance nights only, unless otherwise specified)
Basic Stage Layout
Basic Sound and Lighting Equipment
Cleaner (Pre-, During- and Post-Production)
The Foyer
The perfect space to hold rehearsals, classes or events, the Foyer can be hired once-off (i.e. corporate or private event), time-bound (i.e. as a rehearsal space ahead of an upcoming production), or long-term (i.e. weekly/monthly). The Snack and Encore Bars can also be made available, staffed, at an additional fee.
The Auditorium
Seating 194 patrons, the Auditorium space is perfect for Church Congregations, Talks and Corporate Seminars.
The Lindsey Small Room (Green Room)
Our newly renovated Green Room includes a fully functioning kitchen and is the perfect space for Cast and Crew to relax and unwind before, during and after shows.
Please note that our facilities are in high demand and often booked up to a year in advance - please enquire within plenty of time.
For more information on our facilities, availability and prices, contact us on secretary@theplayhouse.org.za or 061 029 0096 or by downloading our Booking Request Form here. Once completed, please mail the booking form to the Playhouse Secretary on the email provided above.
Theatre Etiquette
Unsure of the proper etiquette for your theatre visit? We want you to feel comfortable when you come to the Playhouse. Here are a few tips to put you at ease, because we want all our guests to remember their theatre visit for all the right reasons.
ARRIVE ON TIME
Please arrive on time (at least 15 minutes before curtain). The doors will close 5 minutes before curtain, and no late arrivals will be allowed to enter the auditorium once the show has begun. If you arrive after the show has begun you will need to wait in the lobby until intermission, where you can watch the first act on screen.
NO FILMING OR PHOTOGRAPHY
No recording is allowed during our performances. You are encouraged to snap a special memory from your visit inside our auditorium before the show, at interval, or once the show has finished. Some productions will notify you if photography is permitted during the curtain call.
NO MOBILE PHONES
Please refrain from using your phone during the performance as it is highly disruptive to other patrons and our performers. If you have an urgent situation and need to use your mobile phone, please step out (discreetly) into the foyer for a moment to do so.
NO TALKING, SINGING OR SHOUTING
We understand it is tempting to talk about something that is happening on stage with your guest, or shouting out for your favourite performer. This can be disruptive to other guests and performers. Please also refrain from singing (let’s leave that to the performers), unless encouraged to do so by the cast.
ENTERING AND EXITING
Entering and exiting the auditorium once the show has begun should be kept to a minimum. If you do need to exit or enter the auditorium, please do so at the end of a scene or song, when the audience is applauding, or when directed to do so by an usher. When you return, follow the instructions of our staff who will get you back to your seat safely and with minimum disruption.
NO HATS OR CAPS
Hats should be removed before the start of the show as they can cause an obstruction to the person sitting behind you. If your view is obstructed by the person in front of you, see one of our ushers immediately and they will assist where possible.
FOOD AND DRINK
The rustling of food packaging can be very disruptive to those around you. Please unwrap your food prior to the performance. No external food and drink (not purchased from our Bars) are permitted in the auditorium. No glass is allowed in the auditorium. Please ask our bar staff to provide an appropriate drinking vessel prior to entering the auditorium.
DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
While there is no strict dress code we recommend smart casual as a minimum. For many a theatre visit is a special occasion. As you will be seated near other patrons, it is polite to ensure that you are clean and presentable. The theatre temperature can feel cold for some people, so we recommend you bring a light jacket or throw with you.
BE COURTEOUS
Our Theatre prides itself on being an inclusive environment for all who attend. Please be courteous to others at all times, and listen to our staff. Their role is to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all patrons. You may be asked to leave the theatre if you or someone in your group is disruptive and does not comply with the instructions from our Patron Services team.
ENJOY!
Whether you’re attending a show to support a friend or loved one, or just for the pure love of theatre, we hope you have a spectacular time!