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