The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury has raised nearly £10,000 as part of its crowdfunding campaign to improve accessibility at the venue.
It launched the Buck Up Backstage appeal during its panto run in 2022, asking audiences to help contribute towards its goal of transforming its outdated backstage area to make it more accessible for disabled and neurodivergent performers, professionals and community groups.
This first stage of the appeal raised £9,497.19 between Saturday 26 November and Saturday 31 December 2022.
The money raised is enough to cover the cost of accessibility, sensory and cosmetic improvements backstage, including new showers and storage areas, with the theatre having also applied for a grant to pay for new accessible doors.
The Roses Theatre's development manager, Grace End, extended a huge thanks to everyone who had contributed to the project so far, saying that for the next stage of the appeal, the theatre is looking to Gloucestershire's businesses to raise the remainder of the money required.
Businesses can sponsor the larger aspects of the renovations - such as asbestos removal - and donate items or labour in kind.
Depending on the total amount raised from its ongoing efforts, it hopes that renovations will be able to take place in March and July 2023, to make sure building work doesn't impact on any performances.
It also plans to introduce a new 'Fundraise For Us' initiative in 2023 following offers to fundraise from audience members, to continue making improvements throughout the year.
For more information, visit rosestheatre.org, or for businesses wanting to support the Buck Up Backstage appeal, email grace.end@rosestheatre.org.
