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Little Theatre Centenary Challenge

Funded on Spacehive 24 June 2018

Impact data and claims within this report are provided by the project creator and have not been independently verified by Spacehive.

Little Theatre Centenary Challenge

Leicester Drama Society Limited By Leicester Drama Society Limited

The Centenary Challenge will renovate and extend The Little Theatre, Leicester, transforming the current mix of old buildings into a modern and sustainable complex, with NEW Studio Theatre + Wardrobe

Leicester Delivery stage

165
backers
£17,510
raised
funded icon
This project was funded on 24 Jun 2018!

The Little Theatre’s studio, technical and rehearsal spaces are too small and limited to meet audience and user needs in this popular venue. Current facilities are in very old buildings (on separate sites) which are difficult and costly to maintain. Many areas of the buildings do not meet current standards for disabled access or audience expectations for good quality, comfortable facilities and performance spaces. Emergency evacuation requirements severely limit public performances in our small Studio Theatre. The Centenary Challenge will acquire the site next to the theatre, so that all the Theatre's activities can be brought together into one building, including a NEW 100 seat Studio Theatre, Wardrobe Dept and Rehearsal Rooms. All designed to meet the varied needs and expectations of 21st century theatre audiences . This project is stage 1 of the scheme and will complete detailed feasibility plans and surveys. Please become a "Star" - Donate today! (further details below)

What we'll deliver:

  • Feasibility Designs for the new Studio Theatre, Wardrobe and Rehearsal Rooms.
  • Surveys including site measurements, ground scans and ground investigations

Why it's a great idea:

The Little Theatre is owned by Leicester Drama Society (LDS) a self-supporting arts charity that gets no regular public or private funding towards running costs. We deliver high quality drama productions in a repertory system alongside local operatic productions (18 – 22 plays and musicals each year). We offer youth theatre training for 8 to 18 year olds, plus acting and technical workshop training for adults. We also facilitate training for people aged 16 and over who have learning disabilities. The Little Theatre is the only facility in the region that offers such a wide range of opportunities for people to participate in live theatre and dramatic arts. Our workforce is largely volunteers (around 350 members) and we employ only 11 (FTE) staff. We attract around 50,000 ticket purchasing audience members each year. BUT serious space constraints limit what we can do and present. Maintenance problems are also increasing. Rejuvenation of our Theatre is critical for our future success!

Steps to get it done:

  • Complete Concept and Feasilbilty Drawings for the new building
  • Complete Surveys including site measurements, ground scans and ground investigations

ALL Donations greatly appreciated If you can donate £100 or more we will display a personalised "Little Star" on our new Studio Wall - see pictures (£500+ donations get "Bigger Stars") Major drivers for project include •Current Studio performances are very limited by emergency evacuation routes from main auditorium - studio cannot be used simultaneously with shows in main theatre. •Current Studio very small, hot & stuffy. •Audience toilet facilities are outdated, cramped & limited resulting in long queues. •Serious rehearsal space constraints - rooms are fully booked, limiting production options & rehearsal times & no disabled access. •Maintenance problems –recurring problems with leaking flat roofs, heating, ventilation and plumbing. •Current disabled access is limited to our main auditorium. No disabled access between dressing rooms & stage areas (all at first floor level.) •Our Wardrobe dept is split across two buildings. The store & Hire dept have recurring maintenance problems.

Location Leicester

About the space

Little Theatre, Dover Street, Leicester.

Council

Leicester City Council

How will the money be spent?Total £17,561

Engineers: Ground Investigation Report - £6,960 (40%)
Engineers: Ground Investigation & Drilling - £5,000 (28%)
Architects Drawings and Plans (Feasibility stage) - £3,100 (18%)
Surveyors: Site Measurements and Ground Scans - £2,040 (12%)
Other - £461 (3%)

Costs Breakdown

This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.

40%
Engineers: Ground Investigation Report
£6,960
28%
Engineers: Ground Investigation & Drilling
£5,000
18%
Architects Drawings and Plans (Feasibility stage)
£3,100
12%
Surveyors: Site Measurements and Ground Scans
£2,040
3%
Other Read More
£461
  • Spacehive fees
    £352
  • VAT
    £70
  • Transaction Fees
    £39

Total £17,561

Our Volunteer List

We're currently looking for people to offer skills and time to develop our project! Check out the list of what we need below and then use the 'Volunteer' button to the right to get involved.

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