Creating Community Through Theatre
Oxford People's Theatre is a community theatre company launched in September 2022.
We welcome all adults and young people aged 11+ regardless of previous experience, background or income.
All activities are free to attend so we rely on public funding and donations to make our projects happen.
In 2022/23 so far, through our People's Pantomime performed at the Old Fire Station and Shaping Destiny, a promenade site-specific performance at the Old Radcliffe Infirmary commissioned by TORCH, Oxford University, we have worked with over 60 community performers, musicians and backstage team aged between 11-88.
90% of those surveyed said they joined OPT to be more creative.
39% to build confidence and self-esteem.
54% to improve mental health and wellbeing.
And 85% to feel part of a community.
Theatre is the perfect place to achieve all of these things and creates life-long memories and friendships!
In February 2024 we will put on a new show, The Moon and Darker Tales working in partnership with Pegasus Theatre, a venue for children, young people, and families, for the first time.
Community participants attended a Research and Development week in July to help devise the show, inspired by a selection of Grimm's Fairytales. The script is currently being shaped using the ideas contributed by participants.
We have received 77% of the funding needed to cover our costs from Arts Council England, Oxford City Council, and the Connected Communities Fund, but are now looking for donations to raise the additional match funding that will help cover the costs of workshops with children and young people, mentoring, and increased accessibility.
This will go towards:
- £1640 to run a week-long half-term workshop for young people aged 11-18 to devise, rehearse and perform in the show.
- £360 for a set design mentor to build design skills within the company and offer opportunities for fashion and textile students on local courses to design and make costumes and be mentored by our designer.