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 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 9 m x 3.3 m. This platform is accessed by two steps across it's entire front width and is approximately 46 cm 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. Our staff will help you to arrange the lighting for your first performance, but will leave it to you thereafter.
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.
Domestic Facilities
At the back of the platform is a door that leads through to a passage connecting with a general hall, small kitchen, lavatory and rear fire escape door. In the main front entrance vestibule there is another lavatory, 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 included in the hire charge.
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 performers 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 be accessed 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 it's junction with Lothain 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 it's 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 £60 (SIXTY POUNDS) per time slot;
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:
Edward Prince
Venue Manager
15 Clarendon Crescent
Edinburgh
EH4 1PU
Email: venue@edinburgh-unitarians.org.uk
Phone: 0131-332 3043
Or the Church Office at:
Phone: 0131-659 7600