The Atlas Theater in Emmen is bursting at the seams. Ten years after its opening, director Machteld van der Werf sees that the building is starting to strain on several fronts.
“When we started, we were asked to attract 45,000 visitors per year,” says Van der Werf. “We are already at 70,000 and that is only for professional performances. Add to that educational and business events and everything surrounding it.” In short, the building has become a lot busier and that brings with it practical problems.
“The number of people sometimes accumulates at the entrance during performances.” Visitors queue outside during busy performances.
“The entrance is now on the side, next to the box office. I would like a new entrance at the front, so that the theater is also more visible from Raadhuisplein,” says Van der Werf.
In that case, the new entrance would be located on the site of the current theater café. “Two revolving doors with a lobby where you can hang your coat and then immediately enjoy an evening at the theater.”
Adjustments are also needed inside. The current wardrobe takes up a lot of space and now determines the image upon entering. “You want people to stick around for a drink afterwards. Now they only see coat racks at first,” says the director.
The great wish is to create a large catering square at that location and thus entice visitors to enjoy a pleasant meal, that is the idea. “You want to receive people well, it’s a night out.”
Van der Werf emphasizes that these are not yet concrete plans, only wishes. She did, however, announce this in a presentation to the municipality. He has indicated that he will conduct research into the possibilities and costs next year.
For the time being, Van der Werf’s ideas only exist on paper, but she hopes that there will be more clarity by the tenth anniversary of the theater in October next year. “It would make a wonderful birthday present,” she smiles.