update report - Summer 2023
In case you missed it…
We're pleased to say tw! recently supported three schools to attend a performance at Cheltenham Everyman Theatre with a total of 81 students in attendance. We're very grateful to Squashed Robot, a local Cheltenham film company, for capturing these moments in the video below....We included this film in our last newsletter, but a number of you told us that you’d missed it, so we have included it here.
tw! has seen a significant rise in grant applications
One of the charity’s challenges in our first year has been getting the word out to schools about our work. We had volunteers emailing and telephoning schools, encouraging them to apply. This was labour intensive and less than ten percent of schools responded. We used a two-pronged approach to increase the number of applicants: we introduced ourselves to multiple drama teacher networks in the UK, and we started to fund theatres as well as schools. We were aware that many theatres already had good connections with schools that had a high percent of students who were eligible for free school meals.
Both efforts have been successful. Our grant applications went from three or four a month to three or four a week. We committed to give more tickets in the first six months of this year, than the entire previous year.
It’s been a huge pleasure to meet drama teachers via webinars and emails across the UK. You can imagine how pleasing it is to talk with people who share your belief in the transformative power of theatre.
theatre works! extends into US
In our two years of operating, various US donors have suggested we look at extending our work to the US.
We had the normal concerns. We are a young charity, and we didn’t want to risk overextending ourselves by entering such a large market.
We decided to dip our toe into the water and focus on a few cities where we either have direct connections, or we have contacts who are interested in theatre. Donors will be given a choice as to where their money is spent (UK/US/both).
We work with a US foundation, Chapel & York, that acts as an umbrella organisation for the charity. US donors receive the normal US tax benefits.
theatre works! reaches out to SEND children
When we set up theatre works!, our goal was to reach out to children who are disadvantaged in any way. In addition to socioeconomic deprivation, children might suffer from ADHD, dyslexia, or physical disabilities. SEND refers to children with special educational needs and disabilities.
We recently supported a trip to London’s Globe theatre for a Stow-on-the-Wold youth group with a high percentage of SEND students. Here are some of their comments:
"I’ve never been to London and the Globe was so cool and looked so old next to all the modern buildings. When we were inside it didn’t feel like we were in such a busy place as London – everything else just went away and it was just all about the play. I loved it. I learnt loads – I loved all of it!"
- Harry (14 years)
"It was so exciting when our scene came on and I really liked it when Bottom did the funny walks – I’m going to copy her"
- Benji (10 years)
Theatres have begun offering ‘relaxed’ performances for children, and some SEND students may find these performances more appropriate.
For SEND applicants, we don’t necessarily use the 20% Pupil Premium requirement (Free School Meals) in deciding on a group’s eligibility.
Our grants success means…we need to raise more funds
To say we are maturing as a charity seems a little presumptuous after only two years, but we are now ready to focus more on fundraising rather than simply encouraging schools and theatres to apply for grants. Already some 40% of our funds have been raised from wonderfully supportive individuals and organisations in addition to the initial funding provided by our founders, Sharon Studer and Graham Beckett. Now as the number of children benefiting from our grants is growing, we need a sound long term fundraising plan and resources to make it happen. This is where committed volunteers can make a big difference. If you, or someone you know, has some fundraising experience or the enthusiasm and willingness to learn, we are interested in talking to you. Please contact us at info@theatreworks.global.
Meet Nicki Watson, the theatre works! Grant Administrator.
Prior to joining us, Nicki was an office manager on a Cotswold country estate where she was responsible for various administrative tasks. Before that, she spent 15 years in Banking Customer Services and as a Mortgage Advisor. She now runs a virtual admin assistance business.
She was a Trustee for PATA (UK) supporting the early years' sector in Gloucestershire and she fundraised for various school projects. She has been a GirlGuiding leader in Oxfordshire for 15 years.
In her spare time, Nicki enjoys walking and plans to complete the SW Coast Path. On weekends, she enjoys watching fast cars at the racetrack.
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