THE FUTURE OF THE BRISTOL IMPROV THEATRE – MORE THAN A BUILDING
toast & jam – celebrate with us!
Next Saturday (5th October), join us to celebrate the success of our Save the Bristol Improv Theatre fundraiser! Come and raise a glass for a toast, and enjoy (or even take part in!) a playful and friendly improv jam.
We’ll celebrate and recognise the support we have had from our community, from donors, and from supporters beyond our usual reach. We’ll also celebrate our new charitable status with a few words from our Chair of Trustees as well as a couple of short speeches from members of our community.
After a few toasts, we’ll settle in for an improv jam hosted by the brilliant Stephen Clements. You’ll be able to take part in an improv scene or game, or simply sit back and watch the silliness that ensues on our bar stage. Don’t worry, all games will be explained and if it goes “wrong”… we’ll improvise!
Where: Bristol Improv Theatre
When: Saturday 5th October, 7:30PM
Price: £5, including glass of fizz (buck’s fizz or non-alcoholic soft drink)
Tickets: Available through our website
WHAT THE FUNDRAISER MEANS, AND OUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
We are currently in the process of making changes to our internal operations, to ensure we can operate sustainably in the long term. However, the funds we have raised as part of the ‘Save the Bristol Improv Theatre’ campaign guarantee that our doors will stay open through the Autumn and Winter.
The additional funds over the £20,000 target are being allocated towards making our building’s public spaces more accessible, expanding our community work across Bristol, and becoming a hub for developing new improvised theatre performances.
Raeesa Rajmohamed, the chair of our Board of Trustees, has said:
“Each donation left an indelible mark, and each story shared reminded us of our purpose. We have come out of this fundraiser incredibly grateful and touched by our community. Thank you to everyone who came to see our shows, donated what they could, shared the campaign online, or simply took a moment to appreciate their time with the theatre. We have not yet reached true stability, but we feel reassured to have our community’s support as we continue to traverse obstacles. Truly and sincerely, thank you.”
BECOMING A CHARITY
Becoming a charity this year has been a really exciting development for us.
Our artistic director, Kierann Shah, has said:
“We are still buzzing from the level of support we received this summer. It’s such a difficult time for arts organisations, so becoming a charity is part of our plan to ensure that we stay true to our mission to empower, educate and entertain – creating more chances for people to engage with the transformational power of improvisation at every level. We’re immensely grateful for the ongoing support from donors and the improv community in Bristol, and whilst we have more work to do to secure ongoing sustainability, we’re excited to celebrate this stage with them.”
Being a charity not only encourages people to donate to us, but also allows us to apply for more funding to make improv more accessible. With this additional funding, we aim to address cost as a barrier to access, and improve physical access in the building. Our charity status also keeps us accountable and on track to fulfil our charitable mission.
Whilst the ‘Save the Bristol Improv Theatre’ campaign has come to an end, it is still crucial that people continue supporting us, and arts organisations across Bristol, to ensure we remain open for years to come. If you are able to, please consider becoming a regular donor, keep attending our shows and classes, and continue spreading the word about us.
And for now, we can’t wait to see you at our Toast & Jam!
