Whilst this headline might all sound rather alarmist, Westacre Theatre are deadly serious. The award-winning West Norfolk venue has just launched an ambitious a fundraising mission to quite literally ‘Save them from Extinction’. With 39 theatres on the endangered list, Westacre Theatre are determined not to be next as they fight to secure investment for a sustainable future.
SAVE US FROM EXTINCTION!
We all know that local arts venues are under threat following the devastating impact of the global pandemic combined with a cost-of-living crisis and high inflation. Westacre Theatre have been fighting to stay above water with audience numbers growing and their diverse, innovative programme of theatre events, regular groups, screenings and a big focus on young people attracting high praise – but if they don’t secure significant funding the future is looking bleak.
MUCH LOVED COMMUNITY ASSEST UNDER THREAT
Their focus on young people is a huge part of their regular programming with the creative team dedicated to offering as many opportunities to access theatre & the arts as possible – especially as these subjects are falling off the already stretched school curriculums. Westacre Theatre believe it is vital that children and young people can participate in the Arts and have access to high quality theatre on their doorstep. The venue is committed to doing everything they can to keep their doors open for their young people and for the wider community.
Investing in the theatre’s natural habitat will make sure they have a sustainable future. The ambitious plans will include a fabulous new 250 seat auditorium with connecting foyer, bar area and green room, accommodation, large workshop and scene dock at the rear, box office, lavatories and dressing rooms. Improved parking and increased capacity to almost triple what they have currently will mean they can attract larger touring companies, get more bums on seats which equals more revenue and a much brighter future to look forward to.
DONATE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
The primary goal is to raise £500K which they can then apply for matched seed funding. They are approaching businesses, unearthing grants, going for seed funding opportunities… but a big part of all this, is to encourage their incredibly supportive community and loyal audiences to actively feel motivated to fundraise for them. Whether that’s walking the length of the Norfolk Coast, selling homemade dog biscuits, organising a readathon or whatever wonderful fundraising idea they have!
With the crowdfunding campaign the first stage of this master plan, you can find further details on the theatre’s website at www.westacretheatre.com or by following them on all the regular socials.
Westacre Theatre encourage everyone to ‘donate before it’s too late’ to keep the much loved community venue from becoming extinct.
