Studio 100 Pop-up Theater

Studio 100 Pop-Up Theater was a temporary theater building in Puurs (municipality of Puurs-Sint-Amands, Antwerp Province, Belgium), built in 2018 by the Belgian entertainment company Studio 100. Located at Schoonmansveld 18, it was designed as a short-term venue, though its success kept it running far longer than first intended.

Why was this theater built?

Studio 100, best known across Belgium for children's entertainment and family musicals, had to end the run of its show "'14-'18" in Mechelen in November 2014 to free up the venue for other events. In response, the company decided to build its own dedicated stage rather than depend on borrowed venues. The result was the Pop-Up Theater in Puurs — its name reflecting its intended nature as a temporary structure that could eventually be taken down once its purpose was fulfilled.

What productions were staged there?

The venue was originally built to host a single production, the musical "'40-'45," which told the story of Belgium during the Second World War. The show proved popular enough that the theater went on to host further large-scale Studio 100 productions, including the spectacular musical "Red Star Line," inspired by the history of emigration from Antwerp to the Americas. Beyond in-house productions, the venue also functioned as a concert hall, appearing as a listed venue on live-event tracking platforms covering music events in Belgium.

Did the theater close during the pandemic?

Like many other performance venues, Studio 100 Pop-Up Theater had to suspend operations during COVID-19 restrictions. It reopened its doors to the public on 3 November 2020, resuming its program of shows after the closure.

Why did the theater close permanently?

In October 2024, Studio 100 announced that the Pop-Up Theater would close for good in the summer of 2025. The final performance took place on 15 June 2025. The main hall, where the musicals had been staged, was subsequently demolished, and the rest of the complex was leased to a transport company. The closure was part of a broader reorganization of Studio 100's theatrical activities, which now concentrates part of its stage productions at other, permanent venues, such as the Studio 100 Theater at the Plopsaland De Panne amusement park.

Frequently asked questions

Is Studio 100 Pop-Up Theater still open? No. The theater closed for good in the summer of 2025, and its main auditorium was demolished.

Where exactly was the theater located? At Schoonmansveld 18 in Puurs, within the municipality of Puurs-Sint-Amands, Antwerp Province.

What shows were performed there? Notably the musicals "'40-'45" and "Red Star Line," alongside concerts and special Studio 100 events.

How long was the venue in operation? It was built in 2018, and its last performance took place on 15 June 2025.