Letting St Mark's Church and Hall
We are pleased to let the church and Hall, either together or separately, for meetings, musical events and small scale theatrical performances. The whole building has been extensively refurbished and offers a very high quality venue in a very central location in Edinburgh.
The Church and Staging
The Church is an early 19th century building of classic style and layout with an entrance vestibule, leading through two side doors into the body of the Church. There are two aisles leading between seating on fixed pews to the front of the Church where there is a raised platform occupying the full width of the building, but having a usable space of approximately 9m x 3.3m. This platform is accessed by two steps across the entire front width and is approximately 46cm higher than the floor of the Church auditorium. The seating is not raked and will seat a maximum of 200 people, although audiences of 30 to 40 also feel comfortable. The auditorium has excellent acoustics and generally there is no need for amplification of musical instruments. There are few facilities for scenery.
Lighting and Power
The platform is lit separately from the Church auditorium, by 8 domestic spotlights, arranged overhead, 4 at each side; and by a further 6 from the gallery in front of the platform. There are also 4 double socket 13amp mains voltage power points, arranged as 2 at the back of the platform and 2 at the front; and one double socket 13amp power point with RCD cut out at the front of the platform. We can arrange to hire theatrical lights at cost to you, with a control panel of up to 35amps power. You can hire, if you need more, or specialist, lighting, or audio equipment, but please let us know if you have special requirements as we may be able to provide for them. All hired lights are subject to our approval that they fit with other users of the building.
Piano
On the platform there is a Weinbach Grand Piano, which is tuned regularly during the year. The use of this instrument is free for those hiring the Church but we divide the cost of tuning amongst those who use, or move it. Repair of any damage incurred by your use of the piano will be charged for.
Upper Hall
At the back of the platform is a door that leads through to a passage connecting with a general hall, fully equipped kitchen (with serving counter), fully accessible lavatory and rear fire escape door. In the main front entrance vestibule there are another 2 lavatories, for use by audience members. Many performers use the rear hall for rehearsals, dressing, make up and refreshment breaks, and with the doors at each end of the passage closed, there is very little sound transference between this space and the auditorium. Use of these facilities is charged separately, though the Hall and Church can be combined.
Storage
There is limited space for storage in the Church Hall during your performance slot, providing that it does not conflict with interval arrangements, and is at the performer's risk. No storage facilities will be available from 10pm on Saturdays to 2pm on Sundays, and between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays due to Church use. Leading off the vestibule are two stairways to an unused gallery. This area is not available to audiences due to Fire Regulations, but can access can be made for storage, lighting control, making videos and recording, so long as other performers and Sunday Church services are not disturbed.
Location
St Mark's (7 Castle Terrace) is located close to the West End of Princes Street at the junction with Lothian Road. It overlooks St Cuthbert's Church in Princes Street Gardens, with views up to Edinburgh Castle. It is situated midway between Waverley and Haymarket Railway Stations, and there is a large multi-storey car park just 100 yards from the door. (This car park is quite expensive by day, but has reduced charges for the evening if entered after 7.00pm). Castle Terrace is the second turning on the left along Lothian Road starting from the junction with Princes Street at the Caledonian Hotel. At the other end Castle Terrace connects with Johnson Terrace which leads to the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle. The Traverse and Lyceum Theatres, the Usher Concert Hall and the Filmhouse, with the usual variety of bars cafes and restaurants associated with these, are all within a short walk.
Charges
Our charges for the hire of these facilities described above is as follows:
Premises |
Commercial Rate |
Commercial Rate reduced for regular booking |
Reduced Rate for eligible groups |
Church |
£100 for 3 hr slot |
£80 |
£50 |
Upper Hall |
£60.00 |
£40 |
£30 |
Church and Upper Hall together |
£140 for 3 hr slot |
£100 |
|
with a discount for 7 or more performances. Performing Rights charges for music are passed on to you, unless you can
prove that you are not liable for this charge. A single rehearsal slot will be free, for each group performing at St Mark's,
unless it conflicts with performances during busy periods. A 33% non-returnable deposit will be required to confirm your
booking. An additional charge of £40 will be made if we are to provide Front of House and Box Office facilities
(available during the Festival) and a charge of £35 will be made for ticketing facilities through the Usher Hall.
We also make a charge for the cost of the appropriate City of Edinburgh Council Entertainment or Theatre Licence, although we
do this on a shared basis where possible.
Box Office & Staffing during the Festival Period
If required St Mark's can operate a box office on the day of your performance. Takings from this box office are distributed
to producers/performers from 7 days after the end of their run, free of commission. A front of house staff member to take
tickets and/or give out programmes can also be arranged, or you may prefer to sell your own programmes, CD's, tapes or
souvenirs. These arrangements are charged for as above.
Earlier Box Office sales can be made on your behalf by the Usher Hall at their usual commission with a minimum charge of
£35 per production, as above, for which they also provide professionally produced tickets.
We value equality and diversity and expect our users to respect good equal opportunities practice, ensuring that normal
concessions are available at paying performances. There are spaces available in the auditorium for wheelchairs and prams
and there is a ramp access at the front of the building to level access to the ground floor. Also ramp access can be provided
to the stage area.
Time Slots Available
10.00 to 14.00hrs (daily except Sundays and Tuesdays)
14.00 to 18.00hrs (daily)
18.00 to 22.00hrs (daily except Thursdays)
22.00 to 23.59hrs (daily except Saturdays)
These times must be inclusive of setting up, clearing up and departure. Please leave time for these when determining your programme
timings.
Thursday evenings are available during the Festival period.
Application
Please download and complete an Application Form and return it to Venue Manager at address below. You will then receive a contract letter to return with your deposit; bookings are confirmed on receipt of deposit. Bookings are confirmed on a first come first served basis. Please contact me if you have any other questions regarding a booking.
Best Wishes for your performances or meetings.
For further information and bookings contact:
Email: venue@edinburgh-unitarians.org.uk
Or the Church Office at:
Phone: 0131-659 7600