ABOUT US
The Friends of Strode Theatre (charity no. 1112942) was set up in 2006 to support Strode Theatre through enabling innovation with culture and education as well as to improve the audience experience through the building and its facilities. Since local authority funding cuts of 2011, the Friends’ support has become more important and is now vital for keeping Strode Theatre - and more broadly - arts and culture alive and in Somerset. The Friends funds have previously financed a range of developments for the Theatre –mainly capital expenditure on technical equipment and infrastructural improvements; but increasingly seeks to provide revenue support for programme and marketing related activities. With over 400 current memberships the Friends of Strode Theatre have a good local support. However, with post Covid, the Theatre is reliant on the support of the charity more than ever in order to continue.
Who are ‘The Friends of Strode Theatre Trust’?
The Friends of Strode Theatre Trust was set up in 2005/6 to offer financial support to the Theatre in order to maintain the variety of programme for the local community and to advance the education of the public in the performing, creative and visual arts. The Trust supports the Theatre by improving facilities and enabling innovation for the direct benefit of the users, both audiences and hirers.
The Trust is completely independent of Strode Theatre and Strode College and all Trustees work on a voluntary basis.
The Trustees work closely with the Theatre management, meeting monthly to discuss how available funds are best used to meet the objectives of the Trust in supporting and improving the Theatre experience
Since the local authority funding cuts of 2011 and the impact of Covid the Friends’ support has become even more important and is now vital in keeping the arts alive and flourishing in Somerset.
What difference do they make?
Through the generosity of a community committed to the survival of our treasured theatre. The Friends have been able to fund and support many projects since 2006, all of which have benefited audiences and users. Here are a few examples:
- Replacing the seating to improve comfort and sight-line in the main theatre
- The dish and equipment needed to host ‘live screen’ events.
- Convert the old rehearsal room in the Studio with the addition of ‘foldback’ seating
- Refurbishment of the ladies’ toilet
- Replacing the original asbestos lined safety curtain
- Replacing the orchestra pit and stage extension
- Replacing the chairs on stage for orchestras and speakers
- Day to day maintenance and/or replacement of stage, audio and lighting and projection equipment.
Time to be a ‘Friend’ and make a positive difference
Strode Theatre creates opportunities for every individual in the Community to express themselves, entertain, be entertained and to improve their well-being. It is obvious that Strode Theatre cannot survive without the support of its community. YOU can provide that support by regularly using the theatre and supporting it so that you and future generations of theatre-goers and performers can enjoy the Strode Theatre experience for another 60 years.
What you can do now! Join the Friends of Strode Theatre! (FoST)
The work and funding of the Friends makes a positive difference to your theatre experience so why not become a member NOW?
There are many membership options available and you can access the details on our website:
www.friendsofstrodetheatre.co.uk