Welcome to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre

York’s historic, community powered theatre – we’ve been inspiring audiences since 1935.

Step inside one of York’s hidden gems. The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a unique and much-loved iconic art deco landmark in the City of York. Built in 1935 by the Rowntree Village Trust, our beautiful Grade II listed building is the only remaining Rowntree facility still serving its original purpose: to be a place for recreation, performance, and connection.

Today, our theatre is a vibrant fully operational proscenium venue with 365 seats, available to hire by any organisation with aspirations to stage a performance with full stage facilities, and the ability to fly scenery. 

But what truly sets the theatre apart is how its run: entirely by the community, for the community.

Led by a dedicated board of 14 trustees and supported by more than 180 volunteers, our theatre is proud to be a registered charity with roots firmly in York’s creative life. Our team of volunteers gives its time to make sure every production, every performance and every visitor experience is something special. From backstage work and technical support to marketing, box office and fundraising, all united in our shared love for performing arts. 

We have an in-house theatre company, the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company. Established in 2017, the company helps to raise funds for the theatre while entertaining audiences with innovative new productions of both classic and contemporary musicals.

Building on a remarkable legacy inspired by our founders’ vision for a space to bring people together, today the theatre continues to provide a platform for creativity, collaboration, and inclusion. Our theatre isn’t just about performance it’s also about people. 

A space to inspire and be inspired, we are committed to nurturing local talent, supporting ambitious new work, and celebrating incredible diversity. 

As we look to the future, we aim to grow our reach and to develop resilience to ensure our resources, capacity, and structure can achieve our ambitions and remain a welcoming facility for generations to come.

Be a part of our story and help shape the next chapter.

Our Vision
To be a vibrant community facility open to all

Our Mission Statement
As a registered charity we strengthen engagement in creativity and develop shared experiences that connect with the lives of others by providing quality engaging performances with excellent customer service, maximising the theatre and its resources to entertain, educate and inspire.

Our Values

• Resilience - Continue the theatre's legacy and planning for the future.
• Excellence - Work with energy and aim for the highest standards.
• Inspiration - Create a place where people can inspire and be inspired.
• Collaboration - Work together to produce and to enable others to produce great work.

Our Objectives

1. The advancement of the arts, education, and community through the provision of a theatre and associated facilities and to be a venue for social activities and meetings likely to benefit the community.
2. To facilitate the presentation of arts of all types both by and for the community.
3. To advance the knowledge and understanding of the community in all the performing arts by enabling access to them.
4. To facilitate training and provide volunteer experience in all aspects of theatre operation and management.