What is the biggest impact that theatre has had on your life?
Theatre Stories is a digital campaign to collect and amplify stories of people across the UK who are engaged with theatre but rarely heard from.
Through workshops and extensive outreach, Theatre Stories will share tales from community members via social media, regional and national press, aiming to change public perceptions about who theatre is for.
The campaign will involve working with partners Derby Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Northern Stage, Theatr Clwyd and Theatre Royal Plymouth, as theatres with substantial community outreach, and with support from The Space and Arts Council England.
The project will keep growing its networks and expanding to share more and more stories.
In 2020 when news emerged that jobs were at risk at Theatre Royal Plymouth, playwright and PR Laura Horton collected more than 75 stories of how the venue had changed people’s lives, and shared them online and in local and national press, which shone a spotlight on the theatre’s plight. The power of the stories was so palpable that Horton decided to expand the campaign, joining forces with Producer, Lizzie Vogler, to support this growth.
Laura Horton, founder of Theatre Stories said:
“Media narratives about the importance of theatre are often led by celebrities and high profile theatre makers. While I understand the importance of this, I also think we need to hear from other people who are engaged in theatre. Many theatre companies and buildings run incredible community outreach programmes. I want to shine a light on community voices through Theatre Stories, in the hope we can expand current narratives about the arts industry and who it exists for.”
Fiona Morris. CEO & Creative Director, The Space said:
“Theatre Stories is a wonderful digital campaign highlighting the importance of communities and networks in shaping narratives and telling stories and The Space is delighted to be supporting the project. The stories captured indicate the vital role that theatres play within their communities, giving pleasure, transforming lives and it’s clear how much they have been missed.”
How To Get Involved
What is the biggest impact that theatre has had on your life?
To share your thoughts, stories and experiences on what visiting the theatre means for you, please share them on social media #TheatreStories.
@StoriesTheatre @DerbyTheatre on Twitter
@TheatreStories @Derby Theatre on Facebook
@theatre_stories @derbytheatre on Instagram