Plea to help raise the curtains this summer at Esk Valley Theatre
Mark Stratton and Sheila Carter from Esk Valley Theatre
GLAISDALE’s Esk Valley Theatre is urging Whitby Gazette readers to get behind them to ensure its once again curtain up this summer.
The theatre, which is based at the Robinson Institute in the village, is in its ninth year and its plays have earned rave reviews and great audience feedback.
However, this year, it has been unable to secure funding from Arts Council England (ACE) for its 2013 season.
EVT producer Sheila Carter said: “ACE said that we had met all their criteria, but they had more applications than they could fund and had to make difficult choices about which applications to support.
“It’s a huge blow, but we are getting used to the continual challenge of running a theatre in a remote location like the Esk Valley. Turning negatives in to positives is becoming a way of life for the company, but we are determined to once again transform the Robinson Institute in to a theatre and produce a high quality production in August.”
As a not for profit company employing a professional team, EVT has to start from scratch each year, putting in place the funds to make the event happen.
It takes a real community effort, but the benefits the event brings to the area are considerable.
Sheila added: “A survey a few years ago established that for every £1 of subsidy, a theatre could generate £4 for the local economy. “In these hard economic times it is hard to make the case for the arts, but a small amount of financial support can directly create a number of jobs and increase trade for many local businesses.
“EVT is doubling its efforts to create funds from other sources and if you feel the theatre is worth fighting for and would like to sponsor the company, then we would love to hear from you.
“You can of course enjoy a great night out and support the theatre at the same time, by coming to a show or fund raising event.”
At the Robinson Institute on Sunday 17 February people can see acclaimed actor Josh Richards performing his one-man show Playing Burton which has received a five star review in both the Daily Mail and Johnston Press owned paper, The Scotsman.
And on Saturday 2 March the theatre will be holding an Auction of Promises to raise vital funds.
Anyone who would like to donate a promise is asked to call Sheila on (01947) 897587 or e-mail her at she.carter@virgin.net
People can keep up to date with all EVT news by visiting www.eskvalleytheatre.co.uk and following the company on Facebook.
For more information and to book tickets call the box office on (01947) 897587.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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