Whilst this headline might all sound rather alarmist. We’re deadly serious. Because we are on a fundraising mission and we need your help, to quite literally ‘Save us from Extinction’. At our 'Live by the Lake' launch party on Thursday 11th July 2024, we launched our huge Crowdfunder Campaign. Below is the teaser trailer to share with you the grand plans we have.
It’s no surprise small community arts venues are under threat. After the ongoing impact of the global Pandemic, cost of living crisis, high inflation and now a change in Government. Whilst we’ve been doing all we can to keep our heads above water, our audience numbers are growing, we’re reaching and engaging with new people and our diverse Performing Arts programme is receiving huge praise. But if we don’t implement Phase 2 of our master plan that was approved back in 2012, then the future of Westacre Theatre is looking bleak. With the Performing Arts slipping ever further off the National Curriculum it is imperative that versatile Arts venues like ours remain a sanctuary and inspiring space for future generations. We have to do everything in our powers to keep our doors open for our Young People and wider valued community.
Investing in our natural habitat will make sure we have a sustainable future. Implementing Phase 2 of our master plan, that boasts 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 we have currently. Will mean we can attract larger touring companies, get more bums on seats which equals more revenue and a much brighter future to look forward to. Key elements of our growth plan are to: + Extend the range and scope of the arts programme + Maintain and extend the range of community partnerships + Create innovative marketing and promotional opportunities + Develop and integrate work with young people doubling the capacity for providing these classes to local young people, many of whom have special educational needs. + Strengthen the staffing structure +Extend the volunteer network
Our primary goal is to raise £500K which we can then apply for matched seed funding. We are approaching businesses, unearthing grants, going for seed funding opportunities… but a big part of all this, is to encourage our incredibly supportive community and loyal audiences to actively feel motivated to fundraise for us. Whether that’s walking the length of the Norfolk Coast, to selling homemade dog biscuits to organising a readathon / danceathon or whatever wonderful fundraising idea you might have. Our ‘Save Us From Extinction’ Crowdfunder Campaign will shortly be going live, and you can pledge any support you can. Our Campaign is in its early stages but we have big plans to provide rewards and thank you gifts to people who pledge specific amounts. We also hope to offer a ‘fundraising’ tool-kit for anyone who wishes to need fundraising marketing posters etc to help raise awareness that you're raising funds for us. The main thing is the ball is well and truly rolling and we will now do everything in our powers to make sure every single penny counds towards making our dream of keeping the doors firmly open at Westacre Theatre, forever… Please: Donate, before it's too late. Thank you so much.