SOAPBOX proposals

What is SOAPBOX?

SOAPBOX is Chester Performs’ regular programme of contemporary performance and film events, which take place in a variety of unusual spaces in Chester.
Chester currently doesn’t have a professional arts venue, but it does have an amazing stock of vaults, churches, roman ruins, bars and shops, all with huge potential to be exciting spaces for performance and film screenings.

Click here for a flavour of what has been presented so far as part of SOAPBOX.

Performance Programming

Through SOAPBOX, Chester Performs aims to present a diverse programme of performance, showcasing a range of art forms including; theatre, comedy, dance, music, spoken word, live art and physical theatre. We’re looking to programme professional and contemporary work that is suitable for presentation in non-theatre spaces. We are interested in work produced by local, national and international artists and companies.
Although there is no restriction on the length of performance, favour will be given to performances that last for one hour plus. We are particularly interested in work suitable for small to mid scale spaces.
At this stage, we are unable to commission new work from scratch. We are particularly interested in existing work that can be adapted to suit a particular venue.

Film

SOAPBOX also presents feature-film screenings in unusual venues. We are currently developing opportunities for local filmmakers (North West and North Wales based) to show work alongside our feature presentations.  All opportunities will be advertised in the Chester Performs e-newsletter.

Performance Spaces

There are numerous possibilities for performance spaces within Chester. However, the majority of venues are not purpose-built for performance. We will seek to match work to suitable spaces and welcome suggestions. 
Using non-theatre spaces can mean that technical facilities are limited. We can only guarantee basic lighting and sound systems, however, we will endeavour to tailor technical requirements to suit the needs of the performance. Suitable technical staff, storage and changing space will also be made available through negotiation.

Fees

We’re happy to negotiate straight fees or box office splits.
 

Proposals

We are continually on the lookout for performances for the Soapbox programme.  If you think you have a suitable performance, we would love to hear from you.  For further information, or to arrange an informal chat, please email Amber Knipe with a completed proposal form (downloadable from the Related Documents (right hand side) section of this page) on amber@chesterperforms.com