How to book a theatre for your play in Bengaluru

Bengaluru has a mix of old and new auditoriums for staging plays. Metrolife lists five of these spaces that bring plays to life. It was World Theatre Day on March 27.

Ranga Shankara, J P Nagar

Established in 2004, Ranga Shankara is “dedicated to theatre”, says Arundhati Nag, managing trustee and artistic advisor of the venue. The auditorium, with a seating capacity of 300, features a thrust stage and arena-style seating.

Each year, approximately 400 shows are staged here, and the theatre has hosted performances in 21 different languages. “Kannada plays make up 70% of our programming, followed by Hindi, English, and others,” Arundhati adds.

Bookings for the theatre space are open once every three months. “We charge Rs 2,500 per day for one show and Rs 5,000 for two shows. Starting April 1, we will charge 20% of the ticket price in addition to these fees,” she explains. Previously, this charge was 10% of the ticket price.

For details, visit rangashankara.org or email [e-mail]

Suchitra, Banashankari

Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy, located in Banashankari, has been a cultural hub for over 50 years. The academy features two performance spaces: the Puravankara Auditorium, and Banu Nenapina Nani Angala. The former accommodates up to 100 people, while the latter can host approximately 130 attendees, according to Abhishek Iyengar, trustee and treasurer of the Academy.

Each year, 60 theatrical productions are staged across these two venues. “Though theatre in all languages is showcased here, we see a greater number of Kannada performances, likely due to our location,” says Iyengar.

The Banu Nenapina Nani Angala can be rented for a theatre performance at Rs 5,000 for 6 hours, while the Puravankara Auditorium is priced at 
Rs 13,500 + GST for the same duration.

To book, one can call 94810 76322 or log on to suchitra.org

Prabhath Auditoriums

Prabhath Auditoriums’ Kaladwaraka in Koramangala and KEA Prabhath Rangamandira in Basaveshwaranagar are sought-after venues among theatre enthusiasts. While Kaladwaraka primarily hosts English and Hindi plays, KEA Prabhath Rangamandira focuses on Kannada performances. Both venues can accommodate 300 people.

According to Varshini Vijay, director of Prabhath Auditoriums, Kaladwaraka can be booked for Rs 23,000, and KEA Prabhath Rangamandira for Rs 11,000 for a 6-hour slot. “Each of these spaces hosts around 50 plays annually,” she adds.

Call 96320 57799 or visit prabhathauditoriums.com

Vyoma Artspace and Studio Theatre, J P Nagar

Started around seven years ago, Vyoma hosts approximately 110 shows a year. These include drama, dance, music and standup comedy acts. “Plays in English, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil have been staged in the past,” says Rajashree S R, founder-director of the space.

To book the venue for a theatre performance, one must fill out a Google form to initiate the process. “This should be done at least a month in advance,” she explains.

For a 7-hour booking, the charge is Rs 3,500 plus 8% of the ticket price. An hourly rate (starting at Rs 600) applies for workshops and photoshoots.

With its flexible seating arrangement, Vyoma can accommodate around 100 people.

Check @vyomaspace on Instagram

Medai - The Stage Bengaluru, Koramangala

Medai, a 150-seater venue, has been operating since July 2023. As a black box theatre, it is designed to support performances that involve audience interaction, with movable seating to allow for flexible arrangements.

The venue hosts approximately 35 theatre performances annually. It can be rented for Rs 20,000 + GST on weekdays and Rs 30,000 + GST on weekends for 12 hours, says Preeti Banerjee, director, cultural events.

Call 82172 46994‬ or check @medai.bengaluru on Instagram