The Hayman Theatre - by the new Vice Chancellor

You just have to be careful in what sort of financial returns are promised if the money is spent on the building and it is made available to those outside the uni. Because and I have been in this situation, the money coming in takes precendence over the students using the venue. And they may find the venue unavailable because an outside hirer is in.The powers that be see $$$$ rather than student work Also quite often the return on investment is not as big on venue hire as many people think. There are alot of venues out there all competing for the same business. Not only is money required to bring the building up tp standard, but also money needs to be spent on raising the profile and letting people know where the venue is and that it is available for hire. A producer or some one wanting to put on a show will want a venue with a profile, and if there money is not there to give the venue a profile it makes it difficult to rent. You also have to be careful about the rental charged, as the pressure for a return on investment can set the bar rather high. Counting alot of potential hirers amature groups etc out limiting your market. Other venue may also be in a position to give deals to hirers because they have reserve funds, something a new venue cannot often do. Which makes other venues more attractive. So while I think that have the money spent on the venue is important you have to be careful what is promised in return as it could be to the determent of the students. It's a bit like dealing with the devil. That's my rant!!!!!