Help us equip our new Studio Theatre

Who are we?

We are members of the People’s Theatre. We form one of the largest and oldest amateur theatre groups in the UK. There are over 300 of us, all volunteers, supporting people to take their first steps on and behind the stage and creating entertaining, compelling art in the heart of the community.  We build confidence, particularly through our free Youth Theatre, and nurture the development of new writing, staging up to 15 productions a year on two stages.  We welcome many other groups to use our building - from schools to visiting companies.

Since 2013 we've been raising money for an ambitious redevelopment - a truly inspiring, all-inclusive venue fit for the future:

• a new Studio Theatre capable of being used at the same time as the Main Stage
• full access in all areas to wheel chair & mobility restricted users
• new electrical, heating & ventilation systems that will reduce our carbon footprint
• direct access to the bar, gallery & interactive archive display areas

- Architects Plan for our redevelopment

With the redevelopment will come 50% more participation: new audiences, a wider events programme, and a venue shared by an even more diverse range of community groups.

We've done well with our fund raising - over £900,000 has been raised so far from individuals and from Trusts.

Here's why we are crowd funding for our New Studio equipment

The People’s Theatre is a shared community venue that brings in 28,000 people each year, including 3,000 people from other groups who benefit from rehearsal and performance spaces. As part of the redevelopment, and to make the whole building completely accessible, we'll have to decommission the old, upper floor studio - rendering most of its equipment redundant.

Stage equipment for the new Studio will be the icing on the cake for our biggest improvement in over fifty years

If we can fund a new, permanent stage and sound rig for our New Studio we can have more creative productions, spend less time moving equipment  between stages, and offer better facilities to other community groups.

The redevelopment of our theatre is well on the way - we have planning permission, the majority of the funds for our major works.  We also have a great team of volunteers who can make it happen - technical specialists and a fundraising team.

All we need now is for you to be the generous 'crowd' that can make the curtain rise on a brand new, fully equipped People's Studio.

P.S. If you'd like to pay by cheque visit www.peoplesfund.org.uk/crowd-funding

- Our Christmas panto crew celebrate our first major fund raising milestone in 2014