Theatres Trust, the national advisory public body for theatres, will be awarding four theatres a total of £54,520 in the final funding round of the Urgent Repairs Scheme. This scheme, set up in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation, helps theatres in need of immediate repair and maintenance. The final round of the pilot scheme awards grants to Ayr Gaiety, Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Kings Theatre Portsmouth and Wilton’s Music Hall in London.

Following the success of the Urgent Repairs Scheme pilot, the first collaboration between the Theatres Trust and the Wolfson Foundation, the partnership continues with the launch of the new Theatre Improvement Scheme. This annually themed scheme will challenge arts organisations to implement innovative and pioneering improvements to act as best case examples for other theatres, whether front of house, or behind the scenes. The scheme will distribute £100,000 each year for the next three years with awards of up to £20,000 per project.

The theme for 2018 will be Improving Accessibility. Funding will be awarded to projects which make their theatre more accessible through changes to the building or its systems. The scheme will fund theatres and projects of all sizes that demonstrate excellence in the pursuit of becoming an accessible theatre.

Director of Theatres Trust, Jon Morgan says: “Many theatres, particularly those built some time ago, face challenges ensuring all audience members, companies, and crew can have an equally brilliant experience. Level changes, signage and seating are some of the areas that need addressing. We look forward to seeing theatres challenge the status quo and embark on valuable projects to make theatre going accessible for all.”

Chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, Paul Ramsbottom, says: “Following on from a successful pilot programme, we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Theatres Trust to benefit theatres across the UK. The Foundation has an emphasis on accessibility across a number of our funding programmes, and we look forward to working with the Trust in this renewed partnership.”

The deadline for the Improving Accessibility round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme will be Thursday 13th September 2018.