What are we trying to do?
For the last two years Forfar Dramatic Society (FDS) has been working to convert its premises in East High Street, Forfar in to a studio theatre space in the heart of the town.
So far we have raised and invested over £80,000 which has helped us to rewire the building, upgrade the power supply, insulate the building and install a heating system, install new toilet facilities and redecorate. To complete this phase of the project we need to purchase a flexible staging system and 50 comfortable seats for the audience. This will cost us a further £14,000 which we are seeking to fund through a combination of our own reserves and this appeal.
How much do we need?
We are looking to raise £5000 to put towards purchasing auditorium seating. The seating will be high quality, comfortable seating that can be arranged in a variety of ways within the space to suit the performance and can also be stored away to allow the studio to be used for other activities.
Why should you contribute?
So many reasons!
- Cultural hub - We are in the heart of the town and we want our space to become a real part of the community - we are keen to see Studio 132 used by other groups for lots of different activities.
- Performances - We want to bring Forfar to life with workshops, shows, films and gigs from our group and other local artists and performers - Forfar has so much to offer!
- Youth - We are keen to re-establish a youth theatre in the town and give young people the opportunity to develop their performance skills, build confidence and most importantly, have fun!
- Businesses - We believe all these activities can attract people from all over into the town centre creating a real buzz and a chance for local businesses to flourish.
So you will have a starring role in making this Forfar cultural hub a reality and, in return for your pledges, take your pick of our great rewards!
Rewards!
Whether you are an individual, a group or a business we believe we have a reward for you and you never know, there may be more yet to come...
If you pledge a fiver you will have our thanks for your contribution. Pledge more than a fiver and you will have our thanks for believing in the project but you will also be invited to attend Studio 132 for a reception on Tuesday 20th June - a chance to enjoy some light refreshments and entertainment whilst (hopefully) testing out the new chairs - as well as a number of other options. Available options include having a fun, costumed photo shoot, having your name permanently displayed within the studio, sponsoring a show or even having us come to do a show for you!
What difference will this make?
We are still reliant upon borrowed seating for our audience to sit on while they enjoy the shows. This is a position we would desperately like to change! Once we have good, comfortable, seating we can start to realise our vision for Studio 132 as a cultural hub at the heart of Forfar:
We will be able to present our shows there at much lower cost than we could elsewhere in the town. It will also make it possible for us to prepare and stage more plays; so more opportunities for our members and more opportunities for people to visit the theatre without leaving the town.
We will also be able to take on new projects which make a difference. We recognise the fact that drama and theatre can make a wider contribution to community life. We have a track record in undertaking social projects producing films and training to enhance the lives of the more vulnerable in Forfar, such as those with disabilities and the elderly.
FDS is a member of the Forfar Events Group and we are working with others to create a year round programme of events in Forfar town centre and bring a new buzz and vibrancy to the heart of the town.
A bit more about us
FDS has been part of the Forfar landscape for over eighty years. It has been presenting live theatre in the town since 1930 and has developed a considerable reputation for the range and quality of its work.
We took ownership of the former Ballingal’s snooker hall at 132 East High Street in 1984. For the past 33 years it has provided an excellent base for a lot of the clubs activities but not for performances! For this we had to hire venues across Forfar which have become increasingly expensive and impractical to use. So five years ago we decided to convert our own premises to a small studio theatre.
It's been a long and sometimes winding road to get to where we are now, but we've been helped along the way with grants and assistance from a variety of sources as well as our own dedicated volunteers who have completed construction work and redecoration.
Check out some of the work in progress below
Contributing is about more than helping FDS; it’s about benefitting the wider life of the town.
Come and be a part of it!