Be our guest and visit the theatre for a tour

Available to York residents only - see details of York Residents' Festival

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre continues to be a thriving hub for amateur theatre in York. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes then the Theatre is opening its doors during York Residents’ Festival on Sunday 26th January 2025.

Guided tours of the theatre – which is entirely run by volunteers – will take place every hour from 10.00am to 3.00pm, including a look at the dressing rooms and other back-stage areas which normally remain hidden from the theatre-going public. Participants will learn about the roles of the different people involved in staging a live production, from the stage manager to the spotlight operator and discover more about the unique flying system.

Participants will also learn about the Theatre’s in-house performing company, who will be in their final stage of rehearsals for their February production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. There will be cakes and refreshments available to purchase as well as craft activities for younger residents to get involved in.

There will be two opportunities for a Meet and Greet, including the opportunity to have photos taken with Belle and the Beast at 10.30am and 1pm. For any budding bookworms there will be storytime with Mrs Potts at 1.30pm.

For more information on the open day or any of the forthcoming productions at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, including Beauty and the Beast – please visit josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.