COVID-19 update: New Restrictions in England

the side wall of the research studio, with bright, colourful windows

Update: Tuesday 3rd November 2020

COVID-19 update: New Restrictions in England

Following the government’s announcement of further restrictions for England on Saturday, we would like to clarify what this means for our Space. In line with government clarifications on work that cannot be done from home, professional performing arts rehearsals can continue under November’s lockdown rules.

Over the last months, CDS has developed a no-contact operational model, and so can continue to operate safely during the coming months. All members of staff will work from home during any lockdown periods. We will be honouring prior bookings that are permitted under these regulations, and will be in touch soon with all hirers who have upcoming bookings. 

We will accept expressions of interest for professional rehearsal and filming bookings during this time, at our current reduced studio capacity. However these will be considered on a case by case basis, with only one booking per studio per day, with intent to minimise footfall and contact, to protect users of the space. We suggest that users avoid public transport where possible, and when that is not possible, to travel outside of rush hour. We will allow different start and end times to support this. 

Non-professional rehearsals, classes and workshop bookings are not permitted in line with lockdown restrictions. Our COVID-adapted children’s classes programme, funded by Action for Bow, will move online for this period and all parents will be contacted soon.

We understand that this is a difficult time for arts workers, particularly freelancers and those without access to space to work. Whilst we are disappointed our studios will be quieter in the coming weeks and that our sector’s recovery will be further impacted, it is vital to protect the most vulnerable in society for us all to stay home where possible and to take care if you need to work.

See more information about Space Hire here. For all questions about space hire or our COVID-19 policies, please email: spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.