About the venue

Set in a grade II listed building in the town centre of Cheltenham, the Parabola Arts Centre is well designed and ideally located to suit a wide range of events. Our state of the art theatre boasts a capacity of 325 across two levels, and can easily accommodate people with access requirements. We also offer a green room, three spacious dressing rooms, five breakout rooms and a dance studio. The foyer spaces double as an art gallery and also house the box office and bar. The venue can be used for a wide range of activities, from performing arts to conferences, festivals and presentations. Our small, friendly team have over 40 years of professional event and theatre management experience between them.

Theatre specification

Our 325 seat theatre consists of a deep semi-circular stage which can be set up as a standard black box 8.7m (width) by 7m (depth), with an optional 2m extension. This set up allows for generous wing space behind and either side of the stage, a crossover behind and various entrances between the curtains on stage left, stage right and in the centre. There are also 2 sets of steps leading down into the auditorium, from downstage left and right.

The theatre is complete with a high spec lighting rig which has four lighting bars above the stage and additional bars and rigging points front of house. We have a wide selection of parcans, profile and fresnel stage lanterns and an ETC ION lighting desk. We have a theatre PA system which includes right, mid and left speakers and a Roland digital sound desk. Our tech box is located on the 2nd floor of the building overlooking the auditorium. Our loading bay door measurements are 2m (width) by 2.3m (height).

We have 3 dressing rooms backstage which all contain shower and toilet facilities and show relay to keep track of onstage activity. The dressing rooms can comfortably cater for approximately 8 people each, although more could easily be manageable.

A detailed tech specification, including equipment lists and stage plans, is available on our website or contact us to request it.

About hiring

We are happy to arrange a visit for you to see the venue. We will always chat through your event with you either in person or on the ‘phone before putting together a hire contract for you, to ensure that all your requirements are met and you are happy with how the event will run. We can provide:

• Support from a technician for your set up and event
• Use of lighting, sound and AV equipment
• A Front of House or Event Manager
• Stewarding
• Cloakroom and registration or box office area
• A fully staffed bar

We can provide a full Box Office service (online, by phone or in person). Please ask for more details.

Our catering service offers a range of refreshments and food including

• Tea, coffee and biscuits, cake or pastries
• Wine, beer, soft drinks
• Canapés
• Finger buffets and working lunches

We have something to suit any event, be it a working lunch or VIP reception.

For a hire pack, to arrange a visit or to enquire about date availability please contact us.