Kenya National Theatre Entrance Fees

In this article, we cover Kenya National Theatre Entrance Fees. The Kenya National Theatre (KNT) is located on Harry Thuku Road, KNT borders the University of Nairobi to the right and Kenya’s national broadcaster (KBC) to the left, just within the city. It is the premier best-known Space and Platform at The Kenya Cultural Centre. Built in the late 1940s and opened in March 1951, KNT aka “The Shrine” as it is fondly known, is the largest proscenium theatre space in Kenya.

KNT boasts multiple spaces for diverse creative processes and performance presentations covering Drama, Live Musical Concerts, Physical Theatre, Images Projection, Dance and Movement. In-built excellent facilities comprise a 345-seater modern auditorium (Stalls 278; Balcony 67 seats), a 9 by 10 meters proscenium performance Stage, 4 fully equipped performers’ backstage Changing Rooms with a Wardrobe Room, a Modern Kitted Dance Studio, 3 Rehearsal Spaces, 2 Seminar/Discussion Rooms, Double Freshen-Up Shower Rooms and 2 Kitchenettes.

A redesigned Bar and Restaurant facilities inclusive of 2 Extended Side Balconies cover the first-floor landing next to the upstairs VIP auditorium sitting enclave. “The Shrine” is further fitted with modern Lighting and Sound equipment capable of meeting creative expectations of diverse technical design imperatives for various genres of live Stage presentations.

A direct main supply line grid Electric Power Transformer; a 400KVA Automatic Standby Power Generator; a 49,000 litre Water Tank and a detached Public Washroom Block have all been fitted to provide the theatre with reliable support amenities.

Other spaces and platforms at the Kenya Cultural Centre include;

The Kenyan Cultural Centre Spaces & Platforms

1. Mugumo Courtyard

This is the iconic open ground between the Cultural Centre building and National Theatre. It occupies the Central heart of the Centre defined by the 2 massive trees that provide the much-desired natural umbrella shade and priceless ambience for outdoor cultural events. The Mugumo Courtyard Hosts Live Music/Dance Concerts and a varied multiplicity of Cultural Festival activations such as Fashion, Cuisine, Crafts, and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge medicinal products among others. It also functions as an open, cosy public lounging area for catch-up meetings by various general visitors to the Centre.

2. Ukumbi Mdogo

Formerly known as “Concert Hall”, this space functions as the Centre’s Laboratory site for performative creations. Experimental works in Drama, Dance Choreography, Stylized Movement, Music and Puppetry are often tried and concretized here. Workshops on Creative Skills Enhancement as well as Discourses on the Arts, Culture and Society are also held in this space.

Due to its flexibility, Ukumbi Mdogo is also often transformed into a miniature auditorium with a sitting capacity of 150 patrons spread both on its ground floor area and cosy upstairs balcony. It is fitted with a raised stage, an open wooden floor parked, and 2 backstage performers’ Dressing Rooms fitted with supportive washrooms. Moveable lighting and sound fixtures are rigged into the space for ease of adaptation to creative processes.

3. Cheche Gallery

Christened “Sparks”, Cheche Gallery provides a platform space for the Visual Arts. This is run collaboratively between the Centre and Independent Curators to present conversations with varied strands on the convergence of Kenya’s Contemporary art practice and the state of various social concerns. The Centre invites Independent Curators and Artists to create curatorial concepts that may lead to group or solo exhibitions and time-bound installations. The gallery is also a zone for international artistic exchanges in various areas of shared interest.

4. Kona Wasanii

This is the Artistes’ open-air Creative Space nestled on the corner of the Cultural Centre’s building and the neighbouring University of Nairobi. It provides ample space used for music practice, training, jam sessions and drama rehearsals. Kona Wasanii has steadily grown into a well-known space for weekly offers of open microphones and instrumental music amateur stage. Various artists try their works here in a free-flowing atmosphere as precursors to studio recordings, live performances and professional gigs.

Kenya National Theatre Entry Fees

It is FREE to access the theatre grounds which are also home to the Kenya Cultural Centre and the Kenya Conservatoire of Music. Visitors, artists, and scholars can visit and enjoy some of the amenities available to the public without incurring a cost. There are gardens, an open field and some benches within the premises that you can use for work or school or to simply relax for a moment.

However, different charges apply for accessing the auditorium either to watch a play or musical performance. They vary according to the work of art being showcased. Charges also apply in case you need to hire the venue for privately organized events.

Kenya National Theatre Tickets

Tickets vary between Ksh 500 to Ksh 1500 per person depending on the show. They are usually advertised on KNT’s website, the notice boards at the theatre grounds, and on the organizer’s social platforms. Pre-booking is available. Couples and groups sometimes get discounts to encourage multiple purchasing of tickets.