2016 sees the Theatres Trust mark its 40th anniversary with a series of events including the launch of a new strategy for maintaining theatre buildings for the future composed of a more powerful campaigning voice, greater influence in the planning system and increased capital grants and funding.
Amongst the events planned for this year are a debate at PLASA Focus Leeds and PLASA London, a mini conference at Theatre2016 and annual conference Conference 16: Protecting Theatres in June and the inaugural Annual Lecture in November.
Mhora Samuel, director of the Theatres Trust, said, “our influence means it’s now very rare to see theatres demolished without being replaced. We’re proud that the quality of theatre design is the best it’s ever been. We’ve achieved great things for theatres by speaking loudly in the planning system.
"In our anniversary year, I invite everyone to join us at a Theatres Trust 40 event, and online, to debate how we continue to protect and promote our nation’s theatres now and in the future.”
Registration is open for the Theatres Trust annual conference Conference 16: Protecting Theatres which will consider "what will our theatres look like in 40 years?"
Amongst those participating are designers Richard Pilbrow and Tom Piper MBE, producers Rachel Tackley and Madani Younis (Bush Theatre), Chair of Sheffield Theatres Lord Bob Kerslake and Neil Darlinson from Arts Council England and Julia Potts from Ambassador Theatre Group.