once a theatre, always a theatre? how to evaluate whether theatre use is still right for your...
TRANSCRIPT
Once a theatre, always a theatre?
How to evaluate whether theatre use is still right for your building
Rebecca MorlandTheatres AdviserThe Theatres Trust
The Theatres Trust
The National Advisory Body for Theatre
The Theatres Trust Act 1976The Theatres (Scotland) Act 1978
Promote the better protection of theatres
Four Service areas
PlanningStatutory consultee
GrantsFor capital projects
Theatres At Riskchampion
Advice On theatre buildings
Our resources
Resource Centre and Library
Theatres Database and Image Library
Theatres Magazine
News Digest
Annual Conference
Publications and Reports
Theatres Magazine
Finborough Theatre, LondonRB of Kensington and Chelsea
Listing: Unlisted
Built: 1866 (Theatre conversion in 1980)
Seating: 50
Theatre
Pub
Proposed
Units
Building a fund to provide financial support to theatres in need.
Our Small Grants Scheme was launched in 2012 thanks to the generous support of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and Judy Craymer MBE.
The Trust’s Small Grants Scheme helps theatres in need and at risk address urgent building repairs, improve their operational viability, introduce environmental improvements, and enhance physical access.
Fifth round recipients
Blackpool Grand TheatrePlayers Theatre Thame Trinity Tunbridge WellsShanklin Theatre Isle of WightTheatre Royal Stratford East London
Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2014Press Launch
Assessing risks and value
Published annually, the Theatre Buildings at Risk Register profiles theatres at risk.
It includes theatres under threat of demolition and redevelopment, theatres that lie abandoned, neglected and decaying and theatres in use at risk of closure.
It assesses physical risks to theatre buildings alongside theatres star qualities and their community value
Brighton Hippodrome, Grade II*, Risk Value 9 Image: The Theatres Trust
Plymouth Palace, Grade II*, Risk Value 9 Image: The Theatres Trust
Victoria Theatre, Salford, Grade II, Risk Value 9 Image: Ian Grundy
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WORKSHOP PROGRAMME
HeritageFundraisingCapital projectMaintenanceProject DeliveryPlanningTheatre Maintenance
The Future?
We believe that xxxx will be more successful than the Birmingham Hippodrome
We believe it is possible to grow visitors at xxxx beyond its current level of 60,000 per year.
Business Plan pitfallsLack of evidence to back up assertions/ambitions
Lack of research on comparator projects
Lack of progression through period of plan
Lack of supporting budgets
Product What is going to take place on stage?
Amateur ?Professional?Theatre?Musicals?Music?Comedy?
How do you attract and develop the right programme? On what terms?
Other activities
Community events
Youth/education
What (if anything) will they earn?
Quality control?
The market
Who is going to make up your audience?
Know your catchment area demographicsInfo from Council - regeneration/tourismAudience development agenciesAcornTransport to/from venueParkingCompeting attractions
AcornAcorn segments postcodes and neighbourhoods into 6 Categories, 18 Groups and 62 types, three of which are not private households. By analysing significant social factors and population behaviour, it provides precise information and in-depth understanding of the different types of people.
http://acorn.caci.co.uk
http://www.theaudienceagency.org
Other sources of income
Bar/sweets & icesCan calculate likely take-up based on audience nos. and income Using fixed profit percentage
RestaurantHard to make money from a food offer unless positioned for day trade
Conferences & Room hireNeed infrastructure and to be in right place
SponsorshipBe realistic not optimistic: amounts likely to be small
Creative use of theatre
“Sweating the asset”
Shared use of building
New Cultural Centre, ChesterCheshire West and Chester Council
Decision: Approved
Listed Grade II
Seating: 800/ 150
Applicant: Cheshire West and Chester Council
Architect: Bennetts
TTT Advice: Approval
Long term tenants
CollaborationThe Broad ChareLive Theatre, Newcastle and 21 Hospitality Group