Gig Information

Performing at the Minack Theatre? Here’s what you need to know.

A bit about the Minack:
We’re primarily a heritage site, open to visitors during the day and hosting live theatre most evenings, usually with amateur companies. Throughout the year, we also have a set number of dates available for one off events such as gigs. The first step will be finding a date that works once our returning theatre companies have set their schedules.

Venue access:
Because the theatre is built into the side of a cliff, access to the stage is quite challenging. All equipment has to be carried down (and then back up) 120 steps, so the band or their crew will need to be prepared for a bit of a workout!

Capacity and ticketing:
Our capacity is up to 570, or 530 if you’d like to use the full stage area. We always run the box office for events so we can stay in direct contact with customers, we require this for safety and logistics. Priority members, who support the charity, also receive first access to tickets.

Financial structure:
We operate on a box-office split rather than a traditional hire fee. This protects both sides, especially as we only cancel events when there is a genuine risk to life; something that, thankfully, happens very rarely.

Sound considerations:
Because the theatre’s concrete was hand mixed nearly a century ago, it’s more fragile than modern materials. This does mean we have limitations on bass levels. Our system has been set up for the unusual seating layout and position of the theatre, and we recommend that you aim to use our system to get the best coverage.

Audience safety:
One last important point: we don’t allow dancing in the venue. The terraced seating makes movement risky, and even without dancing we occasionally see slips or falls.

All that said, the Minack is a truly unique and magical venue, and if you’re happy to work within these constraints, we’d be absolutely delighted to welcome you here.

We offer a complimentary menu of pasties, sandwiches and mezze boxes that can be adapted to cover a range of dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if there are any dietary requests or severe allergies within your group.

Please book your food 24 hours in advance. The menu and ordering form for this can be found in the links at the top of this page, and you are welcome to book lunch and dinner for the day of your event.

There will be light catering (snacks, soft drinks, tea & coffee) provided in the dressing room.

We do not have an alcohol license, so please bring your own!

The nearest supermarket is in Penzance, which you will pass through on your way to the Minack, and is about 30 minutes drive away.

Dressing Rooms

When you perform at the Minack Theatre, you’ll be allocated dressing room space that best suits your event. Music gigs are typically given the rehearsal room, while theatre companies use the dedicated dressing rooms. The outline below should help you get your bearings and feel comfortable in the backstage areas.

The Minack’s backstage space is arranged across four floors, all accessed from stage right, just off the roundel section, via a short flight of steps.

Stage Level (First Floor)

• Prop store
• Technical store
• Kitchenette
• Small toilet

One Floor Down

• Rehearsal room
• Additional small kitchenette
• Two separate closet toilets
• Access to the backstage path and outdoor smoking area

Two Floors Down

• Upper dressing room (seating for up to 20 people)
• Laundry room with washing machine, tumble dryer and drying cabinet

Lower Floor (Final Staircase Down)

• Dressing room (Seating for up to 10 people)
• Shower
• Access to a balcony space with chairs and tables

We do not allow anyone other than the performing company or crew (i.e. those allocated a wrist band) to the backstage/dressing room areas.

You will have complimentary guest list tickets for your event (or each event, if you are performing more than once). These will be as stated in your contract.

Please supply a list of names to Sian and Millie [email protected] – this can be on the day of your event, but the earlier the better for our teams.

If you know that you will not use all of your allocated complimentary tickets then we can release these back to general sale as soon as you let us know.

You are welcome to sell merchandise before/during/after your gig. We will not take a commission for this or ask for a fee although a donation towards the education work of the Minack Theatre would be welcome. You will need to bring your own seller and cash/card machine.

The designated area is near the gates, just inside the car park. The queue of ticketholders will start to build around 90 mins before the gates open, so we recommend the merch seller be set up for then to maximise sales from the incoming crowd.

Please note that there is no under cover area here.

There are tables, wifi, and lighting for when it gets dark.

You are welcome to stay ‘open’ for the whole performance, and during an interval if there is one. Similarly, you are welcome to catch the out-going crowd after your gig is finished. If you are doing any meet & greets or signings, please do this at the merch tables in the car park.

1. Be mindful of the visiting public
   – The theatre remains open to visitors during daytime hours, including sound checks and Load‑ins.
   – Please use respectful language and treat visitors and staff kindly.

-Please ensure you and your crew are appropriately clothed for a place of work.

2. No overnight camping is allowed anywhere onsite or in the carpark.

3. Parking-Parking is tight, please only park where the parking steward directs

4. No Smoking -– No smoking in any public areas of the theatre

-Smoking is only permitted for crew in the open‑air area outside the Stagedoor

5. Alcohol and substance use-The Minack Theatre has a strict no‑alcohol policy for all staff and crew, including visiting companies and hirers. Performers must not go onstage under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Anyone judged unfit to perform for this reason will not be allowed onstage.

6. Animals are not permitted during performances
– Unless they are part of the production, they then must remain crated backstage and be licensed to perform. Well‑behaved dogs may visit with the public during daytime opening hours, but not in dressing rooms.

7. Dressing rooms must be left tidy
– They are used for multiple projects, so please leave them clean and ready for the next users.

8. Site access must be pre‑arranged

- All company members must check in at the entrance and wear their wristbands while onsite (except during performances).

- Hirers may only access the theatre when a Minack staff member is available to be onsite.

9. Under‑16s must have a registered chaperone while onsite and be supervised at all times.

10. Catering, light catering can be provided, meals must be pre‑ordered at least 24 hours in advance
– Contact for catering Alex Sowerby ([email protected]).
– Food orders may be added to your final settlement depending on your agreement.

11. Anyone viewing a performance must hold a valid ticket
– Complimentary company tickets must be booked in advance.
– Any unallocated complimentary tickets will be released for public sale 48 hours before the first performance.

12. Weather calls are ultimately made by the Minack Theatre
– If weather conditions are unsafe or uncertain, the Minack Theatre has the final say on whether a performance may proceed, after consultation with the performer or company.

13. Filming is allowed but must be agreed in advance, with Sian or Millie- as there are restrictions.

14. Audience safety- Our terraced seating makes movement risky, and even without dancing we occasionally see slips or falls. For everyone’s safety, the Minack Theatre operates a seated only audience policy, and we ask companies to support and respect this requirement.