Anew open mic night which is aimed at providing a safe space for upcoming artists to share their work has launched.
Theatre Deli hosted 12 performers for an open mic night yesterday evening. There were performances of extracts from plays, comedy, monologues and dance work. Each performer had a 15 minute slot and had to perform using minimal tech.
Grace Osbourne, marketing manager of Theatre Deli, said: “The event is a safe space to share work, particularly for people who might not have performed in a theatre before.
“More recently because of the cost of living crisis, live performance is a unique way of bringing people together and we feel that now more than ever from artists and audiences.”
The charity Theatre Deli which ran the event, takes over unused spaces to create places for performance, support artists and offer communities further access to the arts. Artists are encouraged to experiment whatever stage of their career they are at.
They currently receive support from Sheffield City Council.
Miranda Debenham, Theatre Deli’s producer, said: “We want to be as welcoming and accessible for all.”
It aims to create boundary pushing work, whilst providing a voice and opportunity for those creating outside the mainstream.
The charity wants to ensure artists from marginalised backgrounds have access to live performance opportunities through their residency support programme. The scheme helps artists from underrepresented communities and disability backgrounds.
Previous performances have included immersive theatre, improv comedy and celebrations of LGBTQ culture.
The arts and theatre space, based on Arley Street Studio Hub, is Theatre Deli’s third venue to open in Sheffield. The space launched just recently on the 17th of March and hosted a busy opening party.
Performers at the opening party included drag kings Sigi Moonlight and Friends and hip hop CIC Slambarz.
The refurbishment of the venue, which features three rehearsal studios and a custom built dance floor, has been funded by a mix grant and loan provided by the Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund.
Since their opening party, Ms Osbourne says : “The reception has been fantastic and we are happy to have received enquiries from regional festivals, artists and community groups about hiring and performing in the space.”
The organisers encourage anyone who wishes to share their art to get involved.
Those who are interested in performing at June’s Open Stage event, can contact the Theatre Deli team about space availability at sheffield@theatredeli.co.uk.
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