The Joseph Rowntree Theatre
Overview
York’s historic, community powered theatre – we’ve been inspiring audiences since 1935. Step inside one of York’s hidden gems. The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a unique and much-loved iconic art deco landmark in the City of York. Built in 1935 by the Rowntree Village Trust, our beautiful Grade II listed building is the only remaining Rowntree facility still serving its original purpose: to be a place for recreation, performance, and connection. Today, our theatre is a vibrant fully operational proscenium venue with 365 seats, available to hire by any organisation with aspirations to stage a performance with full stage facilities, and the ability to fly scenery. But what truly sets the theatre apart is how its run: entirely by the community, for the community. Led by a dedicated board of 14 trustees and supported by more than 180 volunteers, our theatre is proud to be a registered charity with roots firmly in York’s creative life. Our team of volunteers gives its time to make sure every production, every performance and every visitor experience is something special. From backstage work and technical support to marketing, box office and fundraising, all united in our shared love for performing arts. We have an in-house theatre company, the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company. Established in 2017, the company helps to raise funds for the theatre while entertaining audiences with innovative new productions of both classic and contemporary musicals. Building on a remarkable legacy inspired by our founders’ vision for a space to bring people together, today the theatre continues to provide a platform for creativity, collaboration, and inclusion. Our theatre isn’t just about performance it’s also about people. A space to inspire and be inspired, we are committed to nurturing local talent, supporting ambitious new work, and celebrating incredible diversity. As we look to the future, we aim to grow our reach and to develop resilience to ensure our resources, capacity, and structure can achieve our ambitions and remain a welcoming facility for generations to come.
Contact details
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Haxby Road York North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber YO31 8TA GB
https://www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/your-visit/access/
Access Card notes
This provider accepts the Access Card as supporting documentation for accessible facilities and tickets. *The information in this listing is submitted by the provider*.
Access guidance
- If new places cause anxiety or a bit more organisation for you, we'd be happy to offer a familiarisation visit and show you around. Please contact our box office at boxoffice@jrtheatre.co.uk or pop in and we'll get it arranged for you.
- If you have difficulty getting up the steps at the front of theatre, there is a level access door to the right hand side of the building which then leads directly to the downstairs seating. We have two wheelchair spaces at the rear of the downstairs seating with seats for accompanying carers. The stalls are fairly steeply sloped so visitors using the wheelchair spaces may need assistance to negotiate the slope. Our stewards are there to help please just ask. Need extra help? Let us know about your specific needs and we'll do our best to meet them. Please call us on 01904 501935 for an informal and discreet chat. Just ask! Our stewards are always on hand to help you.
- In addition to our main toilets which are located off the foyer, we also have an accessible toilet which is located off the corridor along the right hand side of the downstairs seating and adjacent to the accessible entrance. It can be reached via the doors on the right hand side of the auditorium at the front. We also have two toilets on the back of our garden room, one of which is an accessible toilet.
- Carer tickets are free to anyone in need. We know that not every disability is visible so we will support you attending the theatre. If having the support of a carer helps those of you living with dementia, poor mental health, autism, chronic pain – you name it - helps you to join in the wonderful experience of the theatre, we want to provide the very best accessibility to you to be able to do this.
- The ground floor of the theatre is covered by an induction loop, accessible by putting your hearing aid into the “T” position.
- Every seat in the theatre has an unrestricted view of the stage. There are two main sections of the theatre. The downstairs area of the auditorium is known as the stalls, and the upstairs seating is known as the balcony. The balcony is reached by 26 steps and we do not have a lift. Take a look at the seating plan to select your seat either in the stalls or on the balcony
