Can you offer accommodation for theatre professionals?

BEAM has an exciting and varied programme of live work – all of which brings actors, stage managers, technicians to our town. We’re looking for people willing to provide accommodation for these creatives, from short stays to longer visits.

Staying somewhere safe and peaceful is vital when creatives are away from home, and knowing they have an affordable, comfortable place to stay makes a real difference.

We’re looking for spare rooms and self-contained apartments or flats. Rooms can be doubles or singles.

Creatives always pay for their digs. However, there is no expectation on you to provide any meals or anything beyond a friendly face!

Access to a kitchen would be welcome, but again, they will bring their own food and drink. Use of a washing machine would also be appreciated.

Please bear in mind that you might not see your visitors very much, as they will largely be out in the evenings, and coming back late after a performance.

Some hosts charge an amount per night for 1-3 nights, then a ‘deal’ for a stay of 4 nights or more. As a guide, average rate for digs is usually around £30/night, then £90-£130/week. Expenses in theatre are not huge amounts! Most hosts charge more for a double than a single room.

How will it work?

If you would like to join, we will ask you to fill in our form, providing details about your accommodation to go on our Digs List. This list will then be sent to all visiting theatre professionals or their producers, who then contact individual hosts. You are not obliged to accept any request that you receive, and can ask any questions yourself. Payment is made either from the visiting company or the individual staying with you.

If you have any issues while someone is staying with you, you are welcome to get in touch with us.

Theatre digs are something of an institution! Positive experiences receive good reviews and repeat bookings. It’s also a lovely way of you being part of our wider BEAM family, and we really appreciate it. Many people enjoy having actors and co stay with them, especially if you like theatre!

If you can help, please fill in the following form, with as much detail as you can. We will then get in touch with you.

We have put some hints in the form, but key things creatives like to know:

• Walking distance from your accommodation to BEAM
• Are there buses into town if required?
• Please specify how many rooms you have available (just the one is fine!), whether they are a single or double, and any storage (wardrobe etc)
• Please outline use of the kitchen – access to a kitchen is not mandatory but would be appreciated. If you are vegetarian or vegan you can say if you would prefer to not have meat in the kitchen, or have any food allergies
• Pets – do you have any, can guests bring their own?
• Is it a smoking or no-smoking house?
• Is there any parking available? Many creatives won’t bring a car so this isn’t a requirement, but please share if it is an option.

If you have any questions, please email Nicola on nicola.pollard@hertfordtheatre.com.

Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you.

The BEAM Team