Oxford People's Theatre

What is Oxford People's Theatre?

OPT is an exciting new intergenerational community theatre company for anyone aged 12+ who wants to create new work alongside professional theatre artists. 

Founded by Co - directors Lizzy McBain and Emma Webb, highly experienced participatory theatre practitioners, the company aims to create community through theatre, by bringing together Oxfordshire residents and artists in a supportive and inspiring environment. 

"I have met people from all backgrounds, of all ages, who I would never have had the chance to meet before. People getting to know their neighbours that well has enhanced our community in many positive ways." (participant)

What will we do?

OPT’s first project will be a People’s Pantomime at the Old Fire Station in Oxford in January 2023. It will be a co-created production of Robin Hood; a story of heroic outlaws battling inequality highly relevant to today’s audiences. 

We will form a new intergenerational creative community of professional and amateur artists, particularly reaching out to those who have had little opportunity to take part in live theatre before, and making the company as accessible as possible by offering free or low cost membership and an inclusive workshop and rehearsal ethos, with parts and opportunities for anyone who wants to be involved.

"Community theatre feels like warm open arms, the team feeling is so strong that you feel held, and that feels like a healthy place to be. I’ve learned that there is great strength in working as a team and letting go and relying on others and encouraging others to be their best self as part of the ensemble. It has made me feel excited about the future. "(Participant of our Theatre Workshops)

When will this happen?

Taster workshops in early October will be followed by weekly weekend rehearsals October-January & 5 performances in late January 2023. Production values will be ambitious, with an experienced creative team enabling every individual to safely develop their creative skills whether it be on stage, backstage, or front of house. 

"Personally, I had never been on stage before and it gave me a chance to step onto the stage in a very safe way with a local, supportive audience and a team who had your back. It has given me a new-found confidence that I have never had before. I feel that if I can do that, I can do anything" 

Why are we needed?

In a time when so many more people are being negatively affected by the cost of living crisis, following over two years of social isolation and the ensuing  mental health problems caused by Covid, an uplifting and heartwarming project by Oxford People's Theatre, which brings people from all walks of life together, in a supportive environment, encouraging people to laugh and share the joy of creativity, is needed now more than ever.

Please help us launch our new company by pledging a donation, whatever the size, and matching funding we hope to raise from public bodies.

We have already secured small pots from Oxford City Council and Offbeat Festival, and hope to raise the full costs of the production, to pay the venue, cover set and costume material costs, and pay all professionals involved a proper wage.