The Theatres Trust/Wolfson: Theatre Improvement Scheme
Overview
Theatres Trust's Theatre Improvement Scheme, in association with the Wolfson Foundation, offers capital funding for theatres.
The theme for the fund for the current three-year partnership is Improving Environmental Sustainability as this is an urgent priority for the sector.
Theatre operators can apply for grants of up to £20,000 towards their building or equipment as part of the scheme.
It is hoped that these grants will support a range of projects that consider different ways theatre buildings can reduce their environmental impact. From sedum roofs to new windows, building management systems to more efficient water heaters, funding will be given to projects that demonstrate how a small intervention can have a big impact.
What will they fund
This scheme will prioritise capital development projects which improve a theatre building’s environmental sustainability and demonstrate how a small intervention can produce big reductions in environmental impact, such as:
- purchase of key plant and machinery
- replacement of inefficient or out-dated equipment
- improvements to building heating or insulation
- planting sedum roofs or green walls
- impactful, high-quality interventions
Previous awards have been issued to venues to:
- Replace or install a building management system (BMS) to improve building management efficiency, reduce energy usage and maximise staff capacity.
- Supply new heating or cooling systems to reduce environmental impact and improve audience and artist experience in the auditorium.
- Improve draught-proofing of windows or doors to retain heat and save costs.
- To replace Tungsten with LED lighting and support purchase of digital lighting operating systems
Who can apply
To be eligible to apply to the scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they:
- own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than 5 years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- run a year-round programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year of theatre, dance, comedy, musicals.
- have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years. This can include local authorities or Town and Borough Councils that own and/or operate a venue.
- have the permission of the property owner and any relevant planning body to do the work required.
- operate theatres that achieve excellence through their producing and programming and / or community engagement and / or architectural significance.
Organisations previously in receipt of grants from the Theatres Trust (including through this scheme) may not apply until 12 months after the date of receipt of the Final Evaluation Report for that award.
Organisations that have previously received a direct grant from the Wolfson Foundation can apply to this scheme providing it is for a different project.
They welcome applications from theatre venues across the UK that meet these criteria, whether voluntarily or professionally run.
For further information about eligibility and the terms and conditions for this funding please review their Terms and Conditions.
Criteria
Priority will be given to projects that deliver urgent building repairs, and which can demonstrate that without such repairs the viability of the theatre and its future as a place presenting live work to audiences is at risk.
In reviewing applications, they will take into account a project’s urgency, other resources available to the applicant and the extent to which the grant would make a significant difference to the potential viability of the theatre and their ability to present live performance. Projects which are in receipt of other funding from either Theatres Trust or the Wolfson Foundation will not be eligible.