Chelmsford Theatre launches new Coval Lane Studios to support local creative communities

A brand-new community space in Chelmsford’s West End will increase access to performing arts facilities for creative groups across Chelmsford and Mid Essex.

‘Coval Lane Studios at Chelmsford Theatre’ will be available for performing arts groups to hire from 1 September 2026 as part of the theatre’s Discover programme. The theatre is now seeking applications from creative communities interested in using the facility. 

Council space unlocked to support cultural development of Chelmsford and Mid Essex 

Located on the top floor of Chelmsford City Council’s Coval Lane building in the heart of Chelmsford, the new space is a high-quality, multi-purpose performing arts studio, featuring its own self-contained kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as fully step-free access. 

Coval Lane Studios will be occupied by the prestigious drama school, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, between 1 September and 1 April each year. Outside of Mountview classroom hours, it will be made available for local performing arts groups to utilise throughout the year for rehearsals, workshops or other creative pursuits. 

It’s part of the theatre’s Discover programme, which provides opportunities, through workshops, masterclasses and more, for local communities to learn new skills, discover what goes on behind the scenes at a theatre and build a greater a sense of wellbeing. 

In line with the theatre’s mission and values, Coval Lane Studios will be hired to community groups that support the cultural development of Chelmsford and Mid Essex. Priority will be given to performing arts-based groups and activities focused on movement, music, and community connections. 

Cllr Jennie Lardge, Deputy Leader of Chelmsford City Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: 

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“Chelmsford City Council is committed to nurturing Chelmsford Theatre’s emerging role as both a centre of creative excellence and a champion for local performing arts communities; supporting cultural activities – both big and small – across the Chelmsford district. That is why we’ve made this wonderful new space available to local groups at a low cost. Coval Lane Studios at Chelmsford Theatre will enable the internationally renowned Mountview Academy to grow their Chelmsford offer, while also providing new means for local performing arts communities to flourish.”

Cllr Jennie Lardge, Deputy Leader of Chelmsford City Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure

Megan Crisp, Creative Engagement Officer at Chelmsford Theatre, said:

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“We’re delighted to be expanding our Coval Lane offer this year, reaching out further than ever before into creative communities across Chelmsford and Mid Essex, increasing their access to high-quality studio facilities. Spaces like Coval Lane Studios make a real difference to performing arts groups – helping them to grow, make connections, reach new people and inspire the artists of the future.

“I’m excited to see what applications we receive over the coming weeks. We particularly encourage applications from groups and activities focused on developing voices, movement of the body and connecting people through the emotion, drama and creativity of theatre.”

Megan Crisp, Creative Engagement Officer

Move follows successful pilot Mountview partnership and expanded Chelmsford offer 

The new studio space comes after Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts marked the end of their pilot year working with Chelmsford Theatre. It provides the prestigious school with a larger studio to accommodate their expanded programme, which will see an Acting CertHE added to their Chelmsford offer in 2026/27. 

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Principal & CEO, Sally Ann Gritton, said of the expanded partnership: 

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"We're incredibly excited to be launching our new Acting CertHE at Chelmsford Theatre, alongside the existing Musical Theatre CertHE. The level of talent we've seen at auditions has been fantastic - our staff look forward to welcoming the new Mountview student cohorts to Coval Lane in September!"

Sally Ann Gritton, Principal & CEO, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Works will begin this summer to transform the top floor of Coval Lane into a high-quality performing arts studio ahead of 1 September, featuring professional harlequin dance flooring, ballet barres and other equipment. Materials from the first-floor studio space – occupied by Mountview during their pilot year – will be recycled into the new space wherever possible.

Applications to hire Coval Lane Studios now open 

Coval Lane Studios will be available to community groups to hire throughout the year for £25 per hour. General availability includes evenings after 5.30pm, weekends from 9am to 10pm, and full access from 1 April to 1 September 2027. 

Interested parties should submit an expression of interest by Sunday 19 July. Applications will be reviewed by Chelmsford Theatre’s Director, Creative Engagement Officer and Programme Manager. Suitable applicants will be contacted for tours of the studio space from August 2026. 

Find out more and apply on Chelmsford Theatre’s website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/venue-hire/coval-lane-studios