Letter from the Team – September 2019

We’ve got a busy few months ahead, and I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on some things; introduce the Charity to new parents; and let you know how you can get more involved… if you want to.

Equal People Performing Arts and Mushroom Theatre Company work closely together but there is an important distinction between the two.

The building is managed by the Charity, whose objective is to make the performing arts accessible to all, regardless of disability or need. The Charity itself is managed by a board of Trustees – currently Paul, Dawn and Ian – having been founded by Penni back in 2006. We moved here in December 2014 with two studios ready to use.

Mushroom Theatre Company (MTC) are the lead provider helping us to achieve our charitable objectives, hiring studio space alongside Essex Vocal Coaching (EVC) and Little Theatre Company (LTC), plus a few other outside organisations.

Following a very generous donation and some grant funding, we are now preparing to develop Studio 3 to the rear of the main building, behind Studio 2. This is something we have been planning for over a year, but never expected to happen as soon as it now will. Our current two studios, and the ‘room of requirement’ (once an unloved corridor) are rarely empty; and we have other classes, groups and activities that we want to provide, as well as external bookings that we want to accommodate.

Having the additional space allows for more classes and brings in additional rental revenue, which helps us grow the Charity, which enables us to continue developing the building, which means MTC and EVC can do more…. and so the cycle continues.

Our Fundraising Team continue to work tirelessly, organising activities to help raise the additional funds needed to keep the building running, let alone expanding, and so a huge well-deserved THANK YOU to all of you who have supported these events, sponsored people, bought raffle tickets, and shared spare change. We wouldn’t be where we are now without you. Genuinely. Thank you.

The Month of Events at the end of last term was a huge success and we’ve already planned to repeat it next Summer. Again, to those who got involved – thank you!

Running the Charity, fundraising, looking after our providers and hirers, and continuing to raise awareness isn’t without its challenges and we’d love to have some other people join us in keeping the wheels turning!

 

Trustee Vacancies

Trustee meetings are held quarterly, with occasional conference calls in-between. Trustees are responsible for the running of the Charity, in much the same way as a Company Director, shaping and forming the growth and direction of the Charity.

If you want to know more about the role of Trustees, email paul@equalpeople.org.uk

Fundraising Team

Fundraising is less formal, meeting for an hour or so every 6-7 weeks at the Studios, co-ordinating majority of the fundraising activity that you’ll be used to. Coming up with new ideas is the biggest challenge, and fresh perspectives are most welcome!

Ad-hoc Volunteers

If you don’t feel you can commit to either of those roles, but want to get more involved, we’ll find a way. I love a challenge!

We are often invited to shake a bucket or have an information stand at local events; or may need someone to help serve drinks, wrap prizes, post updates to the website, bake cakes, create a display, tell others about the Charity, or run a marathon naked.

If you’re interested in any of those (except the last one maybe), call or email me, or catch me at the Studios (from 5.30pm Tues-Fri and 11am Sat) and we can chat more!

Others ways to support

There are many other ways to get involved and support us as we move into the next phase of development and growth. Some businesses offer match-funding or other charity/community support as part of their corporate social responsibility scheme, and this has been a massive help in the past. We have collections pots that we want to put in more local shops and venues, and are always happy to support anyone who wants to undertake a sponsored challenge or arrange an event to support us.

Take a look at our new promo video and get in touch if you want to know more or offer support, skills or services!

Again, thank you for your ongoing support,