A small to medium size regional receiving theatre, Riverside was established in 1976 by the University of Ulster as a centre for performing arts and culture on its Coleraine campus, close to the popular Causeway Coast.
Riverside was the only theatre operating outside of Belfast during the Troubles and while local authorities have adapted their council offices and town halls to incorporate performance space in recent years, Riverside remains The Only Dedicated Theatre between Newtownabbey and the Causeway Coast.
Riverside actively participates with the four other regional theatres in Northern Ireland as ART Northern Ireland (Association of Regional Theatres), and is a member of TMA.
The Theatre is financially supported by two stakeholders: Coleraine Borough Council and the University of Ulster. It is governed by a Theatre Management Committee made up of representatives from its stakeholder organizations.
We enjoy an active relationship with the local community in many ways:
Amateur arts, drama and music societies regularly hold their annual productions at Riverside. The annual large-scale musical productions by Ballywillan Drama Group and Portrush Music Society are particularly popular. Ballymoney Literary & Debating Society also appear.
The Dominic Graham Dance School have recently established a new performance company for Irish Dance called The Core, who have benefitted from pre-production and rehearsal at the Riverside.
The local branch of the National Flower Arranging Society host a popular annual event, while Dalriada School, Dominican College and the North Coast Integrated College have their annual school productions in the theatre.
The voluntary sector find a warm welcome at the Riverside for charity events, performance showcases and hospitality.
Target a specific audience, raise your profile through association with a major event or simply choose to support something you enjoy. Sponsorship can incorporate many benefits to involve your staff and offer excellent promotional opportunities.
For further information, contact Administrator Jeremy Lewis on (028) 7012 4430
Theatre facilities operate as efficiently as they do, with the assistance of some 160 volunteers. Training is provided and there are many roles, including occasional projects in marketing, education and box office. If you would like to volunteer for the popular Front-of-House Evening Duties in the bar, the shop or stewarding contact Operations Supervisor Rose McCloskey on 028 7012 4645.
From all walks of life, volunteers man the stations at busy times. It’s a great way to support the theatre, meet people, learn some new skills and get behind the scenes! A Volunteer Evening is organised annually in February and volunteers benefit from knowing that without them we simply couldn't operate as many shows as we do. Thank you one and all.
The Theatre Club is a small independently constituted membership organisation that donates its funds to the theatre for specialised equipment purchases or sponsorship of a production. Members include retired University staff and retired volunteers who have given dedicated service since 1976 when the theatre was built. The club provides about a third of the current volunteer complement and occasionally organises social activities for its members. Leaflets can be found in the foyer.
