[A] much loved Carlisle-based arts organisation turns 30 this year and has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise money for their countywide theatre tour.
Prism Arts, an arts charity that runs inclusive art projects across Cumbria has set up the Crowdfunder to fund their Studio Theatre Company’s new production, Shadow Tales tour around the county. Studio Theatre is an integrated theatre company where artists with and without disabilities work in partnership to create new original theatre. Each year Studio Theatre tours a new production. The Company has 18 artists and participants, aged from 20 to 57.
The Crowdfunder will encourage the public to donate in return for a series of unique rewards. Rewards include hand printed tote bags, shadow puppets and even the chance to get a story into a scene in one of the performances. All monies raised will go towards staff support, materials and transport costs so the company can go on tour.
The production will be performed throughout Cumbria during November and December at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, The Old Fire Station in Carlisle, Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven and the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal.
Ali McCaw, Lead Artist said, “Shadow Tales tells the story of a boy called Charles. The story follows him running away from Britain, back to India to discover his family’s past. Using the tales of the Ramayana from India and folk tales from Britain, we will create a visually rich production incorporating a mixture of live performance and shadow theatre with magnificent hand-made puppets.”
Last year, Studio Theatre Company successfully toured Tales of a Long Conflict, a production that marked the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and focused on the soldiers of the Border Regiment. The Company performed to sell out audiences of all ages.
“The performance was so breath taking and moving. I am still speechless. Great acting, fantastic stage/music.”- Audience member from Tales of a Long Conflict at The Old Fire Station, Carlisle, November 2016.
Catherine Coulthard, Director at Prism Arts added, “This Crowdfunder is a new venture for us and we are really excited about it. It has brought us all together with everyone contributing in some way. Trustees, staff members, our artists, company members, participants in some of our other creative groups – everyone is keen to make the rewards and help spread the word.”
One of the rewards is the unique chance for an individual or company to get their story put into one of the performances. After pledging, they can share information about themselves or something about their company and Prism Arts Studio Theatre Company will include the story in the performance. This unique reward also includes sponsorship of the production and branding opportunities on promotional materials for the tour.
The Crowdfunder today (12th May) and will run until 6th June 2017.
To donate to the Crowdfunder campaign please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/shadowtales
For more information about Prism Arts and their 30th year anniversary celebrations please visit www.prismarts.org.uk or contact Kat Prior 01228 888360.
You can follow the progress of Shadow Tales and the 30th Celebrations by following Prism Arts on facebook – facebook.com/peopleatprism, twitter – @peopleatprism or Instagram – Peopleatprism.
