OUR SPACES

Performance Studio

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Performance studio

Key Info

Largest studio at CDS
Floor dimensions: 10m (W) × 12.5m (D) — 125 sqm, height 3.3m
Access: Located on the second floor and reached by stairs only (not wheelchair accessible)

Capacity

Up to 25 people on the studio floor
Audience capacity: up to 65 people (for performances, sharings, and events)

Facilities

Sprung dance floor
Seasonal flooring: Black Harlequin (Nov–Apr) / Maple wood (Apr–Oct)
High Quality Sound system: connect via Bluetooth, AUX, Lightning, or USB‑C
Hi‑speed WiFi throughout the building
Access to communal lounge and kitchen (with kettle and microwave)
Portable mirrors: 4 shared mirrors across both studios, each approx. 1.8m × 1.2m
No hard‑soled or heeled shoes (including tap, flamenco, ballroom)
No aerial equipment, poles, or anything requiring attachment to the floor or ceiling

Equipment and services available on request

Tables and chairs
Access to technical equipment and services requires booking the Performance Package or DIY Set‑Up.
- Theatre seating for up to 65 people
- Professional lighting rig, blackout, tech box, and equipment hire
- Projector and screen
- Please note: no barres or pianos in either studio

Rates

Standard Rate

£35 per hour

Bespoke Rate

£70 per hour

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More Information

How to Book

Book Online Most studio hires can be booked directly through our online system.

Email Us If you need technical resources, the Performance Package, or have requirements not available online, email spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.

Space Hire Terms and Policies

You can find our Space Hire Terms and Policies (including our payment terms and cancellation policy) here.

Opening Times

Studio hire is available during the following times:

• Monday–Friday: 8am–9pm
• Saturday: 9am–7pm
• Sunday: 10am–6pm

Our Rates Explained

As an artist-led organisation, we support independent artists and those based in our local community to access affordable studio space to make their projects happen, keeping costs as low as possible for them.

Commercial/corporate hires, casting, filming and photo shoots pay our Bespoke Rate.

Our CDS Artist Community is eligible for the Community Rate. If you are interested in joining the artist community, you can find out more information here.

As a registered charity, the hire of our spaces is a crucial source of income which directly feeds into our work supporting independent artists.

Please note, it is at CDS’s discretion to charge for the space at the correct rate.

Performance Hire Package (with Technician) (Subject to Availability)

The Performance Package is designed for events that need full technical support, including theatrical lighting, sound, projection, and operation by a CDS technician.

You pay a fixed fee of £300, and you remain responsible for selling tickets, marketing your event, and running Front of House and Box Office on the day.

To book the Performance Package, please email spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.

What’s Included

4‑hour hire of the Performance Studio (18:00–22:00)
A CDS technician to operate all technical resources
Access to:
- Sound system
- Theatrical lighting
- Projector (HDMI input)
- Microphones
All technical equipment is operated exclusively by the CDS technician
A full technical specification of the Performance Studio is available here.

What You’re Responsible For

Selling tickets, promoting your event, and managing all Front of House and Box Office activity
Leaving the Studio and Lounge clean, tidy, and reset to their original layout
Covering the cost of replacing any damaged items with an equivalent type and quality
Following all CDS policies and Accountable Space Principles

Additional Technician Time

If you need extra time in the Performance Studio with a CDS technician on the same day, this can be booked (subject to availability) at £70 per hour, inclusive of space hire.

DIY Tech Set Up

The DIY Tech Set‑Up is an affordable option for hirers who need simple technical support without a CDS technician. It provides access to a small selection of preset technical resources that you can operate independently. The fee is £10 per booking.

To book the DIY Tech Set‑Up, please email spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.

What’s Included

Once you’ve paid the DIY Tech fee, you’ll have access to:

Preset LED lighting states
Projector
1 microphone
Standard PA system (AUX connection; USB‑C and Lightning adaptors available)

You’ll receive instructions by email on how to access and operate these resources.

Important Rules & Restrictions

To keep our equipment safe and available for everyone:

The PA system must not be moved, unplugged, or tampered with
The tech booth and any equipment not listed above are not included, even if you bring your own technician
Access details and equipment may not be shared with other hirers
Each booking requires its own DIY Tech Set‑Up fee
CDS staff may restrict future hires if rules are broken