Frequently Asked Questions


The Building

Q. What Is the Roundhouse?
A. The Roundhouse is the largest performing arts centre in North London, excluding Alexandra Palace and Wembley — which are arena spaces.

Q. What was the original building used for?
A. Originally it was a steam engine turning shed. To find out more about the building visit the History section.

Q. How many people does the Roundhouse hold?
A. 3,000 standing, 1,800 seated in the Main Space. 120 seated in the new FREEDM Studio.

Artistic Programme

Q. What kind of shows can I see at the Roundhouse?
A. The programme of performances will include a wide range of the international performing arts including music, theatre, dance, circus and digital media to reflect the excitement and diversity of 21st century culture.

Q. What's on now?
A. For details of current performances visit What's On.

Q. Will theatre performances always be in the round?
A. No, the performance space is fully adaptable and accessible. It will have a capacity of up to 1,800 seated or 3,000 standing, and a variety of configurations both intimate and large-scale, including end-on, thrust and in-the-round.

Q. Who goes to the Roundhouse?
A. Because of the variety of events, the Roundhouse will attract a diverse range of audiences from all ages and backgrounds. We expect to welcome 500,000 visitors to the Roundhouse each year.

Box Office

Q. Where are my tickets?
A. Tickets are usually mailed out within three days of making your booking (occasionally it depends on the type of event and how far in advance you order).  If you have not received them fourteen days after booking, please contact our Box Office on 0844 482 8008.  If you book tickets within seven days of the event, tickets will be available for collection only.  Please arrive at Box Office at least thirty minutes before the concert to collect them. Please note that the Roundhouse reserves the right to hold tickets at the box office until the start of the event.

Q. Do I have to pay a booking fee?
A. For popular shows we recommend booking in advance. There is a £2.50 per ticket booking fee when you book by phone. Online bookings are £2. There is no booking fee for music events in the Dr Marten's FREEDM Studio. Tickets can be booked in person with no booking fee.

Q.What if I lose, or fail to receive tickets?
A. Duplicate tickets will NOT be sent out via the mail. If you need duplicates they can be collected from the Box Office counter on the night of the performance. The credit/debit card the tickets were booked on will be required.

Q. What does ‘Doors 7pm’ mean?
A. For some concerts, rock and pop in particular, we are only given a 'doors open' time by the promoter. This indicates when you can start arriving for the concert. It does not refer to the start time of the event. Often this information is only available on the day of the concert. If you do wish to know when the support and main act are performing please contact the Box Office on 0844 482 8008.

Q. What are the performance timings?
A. If you need to know the approximate end time for your performance, please call after 2pm on the day of the show. We often only know the running order of the performances once the performers have arrived at the venue to set up.

Q. Can I get a refund or exchange if I can't make it to the performance?
A. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded, unless in the event of a cancelled show. Please see the Terms & Conditions on the back of your ticket.

Q. I want to pick up my tickets from the Box Office, where do I go?
A. The Box Office is clearly signed, and directly opposite the main entrance doors. Customers are asked to bring the credit/debit card to the box office as means of identification. Customers wanting to collect on behalf of the booker will need proof in writing from the credit card holder.

Q. Who is eligible for concessions?
Many of the events at The Roundhouse are put on by independent promoters. They set the prices and decide whether or not to offer concessions. When concessions are available, they are available to Access bookers, under 16s, over 60s, full time students, those on Job Seekers allowance and Roundhouse Studios members. Proof of eligibility will be requested at the time of booking.

Q. What if I book through a third party agency?
A. Tickets booked through agencies (i.e. tickets NOT booked through the Roundhouse) e.g. Ticketmaster; are subject to the terms and conditions of that agency. The Roundhouse will not be able to help in any matter regarding tickets, which are agency booked.

Q. Can I sell my ticket on?
A. Tickets must not be sold for profit or commercial gain, or by any other outlet other than the Roundhouse or one of its authorised agents.  Failure to comply will make the tickets and the transaction void.  The Roundhouse reserves the right to retain tickets at the box office without notice until the start of the performance.

Q. How can I be sure of a clear view?
A.If you contact us directly on 0844 482 8008, we can give you advice on seats that might have a limited view, or seats that are difficult to access. The Roundhouse is an old building, and some of the original features can occassionally slightly restrict views.  The Roundhouse cannot guarantee you will be given appropriate information on the view from your seat if you book via a ticket agent.

Q. What if I’m late for the show?
A. Wherever possible late admittance will be accommodated. If the nature of the show deems this impossible we reserve the right to refuse entry. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. 

Directions

Q. Where is the Roundhouse?
A. The Roundhouse is located on Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH, 100 metres (5 minute walk) from Chalk Farm tube, or 10 minutes walk from Camden Town Tube on the Northern line.

Click here to see a map and for more detailed directions.

Access

Q. Is there disabled access at the Roundhouse?
A. The Roundhouse building has been redeveloped to be universally welcoming and physically accessible. There are parking spaces for up to seven cars for customers who have special access requirements. There is also a lift and accessible toilets. Please visit the access section of the website for more details.

Q. Is Roundhouse information available in alternative formats?
A. All brochures, leaflets and other Roundhouse printed materials are available in alternative formats. To request alternative formats please contact:

Q. Are guide dogs allowed in the Roundhouse?
A. Yes.

Q. Is it possible to film a show?
A. No video cameras allowed in the venue.

Q. Can I bring my own food and drink to the Roundhouse?
A. No food or drink is allowed on the premises unless it's been bought from the café or bars on site. Please visit the Food and Drink section.

Q. Is there air conditioning in the Roundhouse?
A. Yes

Q. Does the Roundhouse have a dress code?
A. No, but we may advise wearing more comfortable clothes for specific performances for example if they are general admission standing performances you may be advised to wear comfortable shoes. This will be advertised in all relevant publicity.

Q. Is there a lost and found at the Roundhouse?
A. Lost items should be reported to a member of staff who will confer with the duty manager to find out if anything has been handed in.

Q. Are there any age restrictions? Can I bring my children to the venue?
A. Age limits vary according to the show specifications. Please see the What's On section for details of individual show age guidelines.

Job and Volunteering Vacancies

Q. Are there any job and volunteering vacancies at the Roundhouse?
A. Yes, there are a number of volunteering and intern opportunities at the Roundhouse. For more info see Volunteer Opportunities. We always need of Front of House volunteers who will work with the Front of House team as ushers, to check tickets, sell programs and see the audience into the auditorium before events start. See more on the Working With Us page, or contact volunteer.coordinator@roundhouse.org.uk.

Q. If I am not a United Kingdom or European Economic National can I still work at the Roundhouse?
A. Only if you can provide one of the following:

  • A passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder can stay in the United Kingdom; and that this endorsement allows the holder to do the type of work you are offering if they do not have a work permit.
  • An Application Registration Card issued by the Home Office to an asylum seeker stating that the holder is permitted to take employment.

Q. Are there volunteering and internship opportunities at the Roundhouse?
A. Yes, there are a number of volunteering and intern opportunities at the Roundhouse. For more information see Volunteers.

We are always in need of Front of House volunteers who will work with the Front of House team as ushers, to check tickets, sell programs and see the audience into the auditorium before events start. See more at the Working With Us page or contact volunteer.coordinator@roundhouse.org.uk.

Roundhouse Studios


Course and Project Information

Q. Where are the Roundhouse Studios?
A. The studios are located at street level on Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8EH. They are situated in what used to be known as the undercroft of the Roundhouse; a labyrinth of chambers and tunnels supporting the main auditorium above.

Q. When are the Roundhouse Studios open?
A. Please see Opening Hours.

Q. How long have projects and courses been running?
A. Since 2000 the Roundhouse Creative Projects' outreach programme has worked with around 11,500 people on over 640 projects.

Q. How many projects and courses will be running each year?
A. At least 200 per year, depending on funding.

Q. How many people are expected to use the Studios each year?
A. Around 4,000, rising to 10,000 after three years

Q. How many people will there be per project or course?
A. It varies depending on the type of activity and the facility, but between 8 and 25.

Q. Who are the artist-tutors?
A. We employ artist-tutors with different artistic backgrounds and experiences. Most of these artists combine working with young people with professional careers as musicians, actors, photographers etc. Experience of working successfully with young people is more important than formal teaching qualifications. All artist-tutors are CRB checked.

Q. Are there resident artist-tutors at the Roundhouse?
A. There are a small number of resident artist-tutors at the Roundhouse, but the majority work on a freelance basis.

Q. Who can take part in projects and courses?
A.

  • Age
    13-25 year olds. This varies from project to project, so check individual course details for more information. Occasionally there will be special activities for younger children aged 10-12 years.
  • Background
    Open to people from all cultural origins, genders and social backgrounds. The Roundhouse is committed to making the projects/space accessible to all. You will be able to apply for bursaries if the fees are too expensive for you.
  • Ability
    There are projects for all abilities and standards. Check project details on the Roundhouse Studios for more information.

Q. What is the selection process for who is accepted onto the projects?
A. If you meet the age and any specified criteria for the projects, it is usually first-come first-served. However some courses will require you to come to an interview or audition and give references. For some events, masterclasses, ticket offers etc, Special Members will be given first refusal.

Q. How much do they cost?
A. During the summer 2006, projects will cost £1/day, thanks to our funders. From October 2006 most sessions will cost between £1-£3 each, or £10-£33 per term.

Q. Which artforms do projects and courses cover?
A. Students are encouraged to try out and link different artforms. Some projects are designed to mix art forms. The following are represented:

  • Music both live and digital
  • Digital Media – animation, graphics, VJ
  • Film and video/TV
  • Performing Arts – theatre, physical theatre, comedy and some dance
  • Visual Arts – photography
  • Radio
  • Creative writing – Poetry, journalism, script-writing

Check Projects and Courses project details for further information

Q. Can I come and try out an activity before I commit to it?
A. Yes. We will run regular taster workshops sessions and the first session for many projects is offered as a taster.

Enrolment

Q. How do I enrol on a project or course?
A. Enrolling is easy! Select one or more courses to enrol in by browsing the Creative Projects and Courses section and click the "enrol" button when you have made your choice. Alternatively you can request a Roundhouse Studios programme brochure, fill in the form enclosed and send it back by post or fax. Contact the Roundhouse Studios to receive the brochure over the phone or by email.

Q. How do I ensure that I get onto a course with my friends?
A. Send in your application early to avoid disappointment, clip your applications together, or email us a note with your online form. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will be together.

Q. Do I have to get parental consent to enrol in a project or course?
A. Yes, if you are less than 16 years old.

Q. How do I know if I've got a place on a project or course?
A. You will receive an email and/or letter confirming your place on the project or course.

Q. How many projects and courses can I do?
A. It is possible to do an unlimited number of projects and courses, but check that the dates and times of your choices do not clash with each other.

Q. Can I enrol in a project or course if I have had no previous experience?
A. Yes! We offer projects and courses for different standards from beginner to pro — just check the course details or contact the Roundhouse Studios to ensure that you are choosing a suitable course for your level. We also offer taster sessions, so that you can try out different art forms before committing to them.

Q. I have experience but am under 13, can I still enrol in a project or course?
A. We will consider some individuals younger then 13 who demonstrate experience and commitment. The consent of your parents will be will be necessary.

Q. Are the creative projects only for young people in the Camden borough?
A. No, they are open to young people across London.

Q. What happens if I am ill, or can't attend one of the sessions/lessons?
A. Contact the Roundhouse Studios as soon as possible to inform them.

Membership

Q. How do I become a member of the Roundhouse Studios?
A. By enrolling in a project or course.

Q. Do I have to pay or is membership free?
All young people who enrol to attend an activity or hire space automatically become Regular Members. A one-year Special Membership costs £10 per person, or £15/family.

Q. What are the benefits of Special Membership?
A This is recommended for regular users. Benefits include one free workshop/term; first refusal on cheap tickets offers for Roundhouse performances and special events; eligibility for Roundhouse Volunteer Projects such as the Youth Advisory Board and more...

Access

Q. Do the Roundhouse Studios offer disabled access?
A. Yes. The Studios are fully accessible.

Q. Can I gain qualifications at the Roundhouse studios?
A. Students who attend 80% of a project or course obtain a Roundhouse certificate of achievement. The Roundhouse projects do not offer formal qualifications.

Bursaries

Q. What is the Bursary Scheme?
A. Young people can apply for a bursary to pay their fees if they would otherwise be unable to take part in projects and courses offered at the Roundhouse Studios . Not everyone who applies will receive a bursary, but those who do will benefit from extra support and training.

Recruitment

Q. How do I apply to be an artist-tutor in the Roundhouse Studios?
A. Send in your CV to the Roundhouse Studios contact.

Q. Do I need to be a qualified teacher to apply for a role as an artist-tutor?
A. No, but you need to be CRB checked and demonstrate that you have relevant experience working with young people to be considered.