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.
Megan Crisp, Creative Engagement Officer at Chelmsford Theatre, said:
“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:
"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.
Expression of interest 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 about Coval lane Studios and how to apply here