We sought to minimise encroachments due to the limited internal space. New structural steelwork for theatre infrastructure was engineered to be wholly supported from the existing timber trusses. Careful coordination with consultants allowed ductwork and conduits to be concealed in the subfloor space. No new openings could be made in the heritage fabric for builder access, resulting in a complex construction methodology where all building components were brought in through the existing doorways and assembled within the church, like a ship in a bottle.

An L-Acoustics L-ISA audio system and modular video wall overcomes the acoustic and spatial limitations of the church. The L-ISA system allows the acoustic reconfiguration of the space to support a range of modern productions, and the video wall can be separated to display virtual props on stage, solving the issue of limited prop storage. Students can therefore gain production experience with the most advanced audiovisual equipment available, whilst being empowered to reimagine performing arts in an unconventional theatre environment.