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Behind the Scenes at the Theatre
A state-of-the-art, multi-million pound performing arts centre and theatre in a Somerset market town is our favourite Google Street View business virtual tour this week. An ambitious new venture by Bridgwater College, the new facility boasts a 350-seat theatre auditorium with retractable seating and orchestra pit, dance studios, dressing rooms and box office.
In addition to opportunities offered to students in a host of performing arts qualifications, McMillan Theatre also welcomes professional and community performances, as well as College productions, conferences and exhibitions.
Illuminating
From the road, the theatre is an impressive contemporary, angular construction comprising huge glass panels framed by grey and cream brickwork, and surrounded by open space and greenery. The modern and roomy feeling continues inside with the clean, bright expanse of the wide entrance lobby, box office and bar.As you'd expect, the virtual tour includes the huge theatre auditorium which can be seen in all its glory from different levels - stalls to upper balconies - illuminated by spotlights and vibrant stage lighting.
However, what you also get is an access-all-areas pass, giving you the chance to see for yourself what goes on behind the scenes.
VIP Pass
Perhaps a good place to start is by standing on the stage, looking out into the auditorium as if you're a performer about to address your audience. By exiting into the shadows of 'stage left', you're then straight through the doorway to the technicians' area in the wings, amongst the curtains and the back of the scenery. Venture further backstage and you can visit the dressing rooms, green room and stage entrance. For those with a head for heights, there's even an elevated trip across the narrow lighting catwalk in the roof of the auditorium where you can peer down into the depths of the theatre below.
It's Behind You
Hosting a variety of shows since opening earlier this year, McMillan theatre has welcomed local dance groups, its own McMillan Youth Show Choir, household names like An Evening with Mary Berry and, of course, the traditional Christmas panto, which you can catch this weekend.With only seven more sleeps 'til the big day, theatres across the country are gearing up for a busy time of Christmas concerts and performances. This is a fabulous chance to be first through the doors to explore a spectacular new venue before the rest of the audience arrive.
Find McMillan Theatre at Lower Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ. Tel 01278 556677. Look them up on the web at mcmillantheatre.com. They're also on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram.
Date: 18 December 2015
Author: The 360 Company