Burton Taylor Studio

Burton Taylor Studio is a thriving theatre venue located in the heart of Oxford, England, and is closely associated with the University of Oxford. The studio is named after Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, two of the most renowned actors of the 20th century, who were known for their performances in films like Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. The studio has hosted a wide range of productions, from classic plays like Hamlet and Macbeth to modern works by Tom Stoppard and Samuel Beckett. With its intimate setting and versatile stage, the Burton Taylor Studio has become a popular venue for theatre companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

● History

The Burton Taylor Studio has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the 1960s, when it was founded by Oxford University Dramatic Society and Oxford Playhouse. Over the years, the studio has undergone several renovations, including a major refurbishment in the 1990s, which was supported by the Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The studio has played host to numerous productions, including works by William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Tennessee Williams, and has been a launching pad for the careers of many notable actors, including Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, and Emma Thompson. The studio has also collaborated with other theatre companies, such as the Young Vic and the Almeida Theatre, to produce innovative and critically acclaimed productions like The History Boys and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

● Location

The Burton Taylor Studio is situated in the heart of Oxford, close to the Ashmolean Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum. The studio is easily accessible by public transport, with regular bus services from Oxford Railway Station and London Heathrow Airport. The studio is also within walking distance of many of Oxford University's colleges, including Christ Church, Oxford, Brasenose College, Oxford, and St John's College, Oxford. The studio's location makes it an ideal venue for theatre productions, with its proximity to the Oxford Playhouse and the New Theatre Oxford.

● Productions

The Burton Taylor Studio has a diverse programme of productions, ranging from classic plays to contemporary works. Recent productions have included The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, and The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The studio has also hosted productions by renowned theatre companies, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and the National Theatre's production of War Horse. The studio has also collaborated with other arts organizations, such as the BBC and the Royal Opera House, to produce innovative and critically acclaimed productions like The Magic Flute and La Bohème.

● Facilities

The Burton Taylor Studio has a range of facilities, including a flexible performance space, a rehearsal room, and a bar. The studio's performance space can accommodate up to 50 audience members, making it an ideal venue for intimate productions. The studio is also equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, which have been used in productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. The studio's rehearsal room is available for hire, and has been used by companies like the Royal Ballet and the English National Opera. The studio's bar is open before and after performances, and serves a range of drinks and snacks, including those from local suppliers like The Oxford Wine Company and The Covered Market.

● Education and Outreach

The Burton Taylor Studio is committed to education and outreach, and offers a range of programmes and activities for schools and community groups. The studio's education programme includes workshops and masterclasses, led by industry professionals like Stephen Fry and Dame Judi Dench. The studio has also partnered with organizations like the Oxfordshire County Council and the Arts Council England to deliver outreach programmes, which aim to increase access to the arts for disadvantaged groups. The studio has also collaborated with other educational institutions, such as the University of Oxford's Department of Continuing Education and the Oxford Brookes University's School of Arts, to develop new and innovative programmes. The studio's education and outreach programmes have been supported by funding from organizations like the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Category:Theatres in England