Birmingham Rep Open Day - Sun 27 Apr 2025
Open day is back!
Join us at The Rep on Sun 27 Apr for a day of free activities for theatre lovers of all ages, and go behind the scenes of Birmingham’s only producing theatre.
Doors will be open from 10am – 4pm, with the chance to see how a working theatre operates. There will be guided tours, technical demonstrations, drama workshops, heritage talks, a stunning costume sale, and the chance to meet The Rep team.
Events marked with a star (*) require sign-up, so please head to the welcome desk on the day to register your interest.
Please note, with the exception of our access guided tour, events cannot be booked in advance of arrival.
Find out more about what you can discover…
Backstage Tours*
Join The Rep’s dedicated volunteers as they take you on a backstage tour around Birmingham Rep’s fascinating theatre building. Learn about The Rep’s long theatrical history and get an exclusive look at backstage spaces usually closed to the public, including the vast workshop and paintshop where sets are brought to life.
- Tours lasts 45 minutes and will finish in time for you to join a heritage talk in the suites, located off the mezzanine.
- Guided Tours can only be booked in person on the day. We have introduced a staggered booking system:
- Morning tour slots open for booking at 10am.
- Afternoon tour slots open from 12pm.
Access Needs?
For patrons wishing to attend a guided backstage tour who have access requirements and will be unable to queue to book these on the day, we have a limited amount of spaces available to pre-book in advance. Please pick which time slot you would prefer to attend and email us at access@birmingham-rep.co.uk to reserve your space. Only 2 spaces available per person and offered on a first come first serve basis due to limited availability.
Prefer a more flexible option?
Explore our Free Flow Tours, following clearly marked signs around the building. Volunteers will be stationed at key points, ready to share their knowledge about different aspects of The Rep.
Costume Sale
Step into The Rep’s Studio Theatre and enjoy a rare chance to browse through fabulous items and outfits from our costume stores. Our renowned wardrobe department has been crafting costumes in our current building for over 50 years. Expect show-stopping costumes, beautiful handmade pieces, and hidden gems—including shoes and accessories—spanning a wide range of styles, periods, and characters.
- Exclusive Access for Friends of The Rep:
From 10am – 10.30am, Friends of The Rep will have exclusive access to the costume sale. Simply show your membership card on entry and start shopping! (Interested in becoming a Friend? Visit our Rep Friends webpage to learn about all the benefits, including priority booking and exclusive discounts) - General Access:
After 10.30am, the sale opens to the general public. But remember, once it’s gone, it’s gone, so arrive early to snag the best finds!
All funds raised will towards supporting the charitable status of The Rep in providing theatre for everyone.
Remember to think green and bring your own bags.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Production and Technical Demonstrations
Discover backstage secrets with fascinating, interactive demonstrations led by The Rep’s expert Technical and Production team.
Experience the magic of live theatre as our professionals showcase their skills in lighting, sound, costume, carpentry, and stage management.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Interactive Workshops for Young People
Join The Rep’s renowned Creative Learning team for a series of exciting workshops throughout the day:
10.45am – 11.30am: Interactive storytelling workshop for ages 3-6
11.45am – 12.45pm and 1pm- 2pm: Drama skills workshop for ages 7-11
2.15pm – 3.15pm: Performance skills workshop for ages 11-16
All workshops will have a sign-up sheet from 10am onwards with a limit of 25 participants per session, so be sure to secure your spot as soon as you arrive!
Young Rep Performances
Enjoy live entertainment as our Young Rep groups perform exciting extracts from their upcoming plays for this summer’s Home and Horizons Festival!
Location: Near Box Office
Times: 11:30am and 1:30pm, performed by our Young Rep members
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Arts and Crafts
All ages are welcome to get creative at our Arts and Crafts station on the Mezzanine!
Explore your imagination and don’t forget to tag us in your creations on Instagram: @REPTAKEPART.
Blood and Gore Makeup
Experience the magic of theatrical makeup and see just how realistic it can look! Get your own fake cut or scar between 10am – 4pm.
Prefer something more light-hearted? Opt for a flower design or another child-friendly option instead.
We are not charging a set price for this service but would kindly ask you to consider a donation. This will go toward the make-up artist’s time and supplies. Thank you.
Careers in the Arts & CV Help
Chat with The Rep’s People Team to learn about a range of exciting careers in the arts and discover the best pathways into the theatre industry.
This is also your chance to get CV advice from HR professionals and explore current opportunities and vacancies at The Rep.
Meet The Team Q & A
From 3.15pm, head to the main House stage where we will be hosting a Q &A panel discussion with Team Rep.
Meet staff from different departments, ask them about their role, what it’s really like to work in the theatre industry, and how they came to be a part of The Rep team.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
Open Day 2023. Photography by Graeme Braidwood.
20% off tickets when you book at Open Day*
Offer only valid to use from 10am – 4pm on Sun 27 Apr.
Timetable
Front of House
10am – 4pm Welcome Desk
10am – 3.15pm Careers Desk
Guided Tours*
Tours will commence at the following times:
10.30am
11am
11.30am
12.30pm
1pm
1.30pm
The House
10.00am – 3.15pm Free Flow Tours & Technical Demonstrations
Please note, there will be staggered breaks for the technicians from 12pm-1pm
3.15pm – 4pm Q and A Panel with Rep staff
The Foyer
10am – 1pm Blood and Gore Make Up / Face Painting
11.30 am Young Rep Juniors Performance
2.45 pm Young Rep Seniors Performance
The Door
10.00am – 3.15pm Costume Sale
10-10.30am Rep Friends Access only (show your Rep Friends Membership card on entry)
10.30am onwards General Access
The Studio
10.00am – 3.15pm Costume Sale
10 – 11am Friends only access (Rep Friends must show their membership cards on entry)
11am onwards General public access
The Mezzanine
10.00am – 4.00pm Arts and Crafts
Meeting Room 1
History and Heritage Talks
Every half an hour, beginning from 11:15am.
The final tour will take place at 2:45pm.
Meeting Room 2
Drama Workshops*
10.45am – 11.30am Interactive Story telling workshop ages 3-6
11.45am – 12.45pm and 1pm – 2pm Drama Skills workshop ages 7-11
2.15pm – 3.15pm Performance skills workshop ages 11-16
*Sign up required (Sign up to these events when you arrive)