Nestled in the centre of the University of Stirling lies Macrobert Arts Centre, a hub for the arts that hosts a year-round programme of film, theatre, music, dance, and art.
Brig sat down with Macrobert’s Artistic Director and CEO, Julie Ellen, to talk ticket prices and exciting upcoming productions.
Since 2019, Macrobert has run on a Pay What You Can pricing scheme where people can make their own decision as to what they can afford to pay: £4.50, £6.50, or £8.50.
For students, the Macrobert has managed to make their prices even more accessible, with a £2.50 ticket for cinema and live performances.
“We want as many people as possible to access what the Macrobert has to offer and the key thing is that people don’t see price as a barrier,” said Ellen. “We wanted to make it worth staying around for rather than going into town, and at £2.50 we think it’s hopefully tempting enough that students will stay around.”
As well as accessible prices, Macrobert also strives to have a diverse program of cinema and theatre that is inclusive to all.
“There’s a really unique offering here in the diversity, richness, and range of the program. We think about ethnically diverse representation, disability representation, sexuality, and a range of both protected characteristics and interest groups,” said Ellen.
The semester has already seen a wide range of brilliant films and performances including an all-female production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and the acclaimed Central Documentary Festival.
There is still more to come though, and Ellen is particularly excited about the much-beloved Christmas Panto for which rehearsals started this week: “We typically sell somewhere between 23,000 and 25,000 tickets. This year, it’s Saturday Night Fever disco-inspired and it’s going to be great.”
As well as the art exhibitions, films, and other productions on show, Macrobert also encourages students to use the building as a place to relax, meet with friends, study, or even practice on the open piano.
“It’s a space where you can sit back and escape yourself and whatever your everyday is as a student here.”
Julie Ellen
Ellen tells us she has been very busy arranging the program for the 2024 season and gives us some sneak previews of live theatre coming next semester.
As well as the annual SUDS and University dance club performances, there will be another exciting, modernized gothic. This one-man adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde is sure to be a hit.
“The aesthetic of it is very dark and modern and it’s proper spooky. Instead of being all singing and all dancing it will be very focused as well as visually and aesthetically beautiful,” says Ellen.
Other things to look forward to will be Ragnarok by visual theatre charity Tortoise in a Nutshell, as well as a series of A Play, a Pie and a Pint performances, and the next installment of Rona Munro’s The James Plays.
“The cinema and live performances offer you the opportunity to excite your mind in a different way.”
Julie Ellen
Learn more about Macrobert and book tickets here: https://www.macrobertartscentre.org/
Featured Image Credit: Jodie Hagan
