Heart of Stafford
by gatehouse theatre
Unit 2 Friary Retail Park, The Green, Stafford, ST17 4BA
The Gatehouse Theatre is the most popular arts and culture venue in central Staffordshire. it stages dozens of community events each year, and is the base for the Youth Theatre and Summer School project for young people. Gatehouse Theatre will open a new arts and community hub in the former TK Maxx building in the town centre.
The new HEART of Stafford (Hub of Entertainment, Art, Recreation and Theatre) project will see the theatre transform the empty retail unit into a thriving exhibition, rehearsal and performance space.
Technical staff will be working to add seating, temporary staging and PA equipment on the ground floor of the former fashion store at Friary Retail Park, just off Wolverhampton Road.
The move comes as the theatre looks to expand, with audiences and footfall at the Eastgate Street venue approaching record levels. “It’s been an incredibly busy year at the Gatehouse”, says General Manager Gary Stevens, “And we are running out of space to host all the events and productions that want to come to us. The unit has great facilities, excellent lighting and good parking right outside, so when it became available it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. It will be open to anyone and everyone who wants to come and use it. We will make use of it for our regular dance classes and Youth Theatre work, as well as rehearsals for larger productions. But really, it’s a blank canvas for groups in Stafford borough to use.”
The Gatehouse will put something back into the community by breathing new life into a prominent empty building.
partner groups
Dappa Dance is run as a not for profit company, to give performing arts training and real performance opportunities to all. Run by industry professionals, they believe in working as a happy team, using their imaginations and own creativity, and having lots of fun whilst keeping fit. Following the IDR ( International Dance Rewards) scheme, children learn dance and theatre arts techniques and skills, progressing through fun, performance, and keeping fit with their friends. They use lots of costumes, props, and colour in all their classes, all children are encouraged to use their own creativity. Dance and Performing arts skills are taught to a professional standard.
Gatehouse Youth Theatre
The Gatehouse Youth Theatre is a Youth Theatre Company based at The Gatehouse Theatre that works with young people aged between 9 and 18 across Stafford. They work with professional staff to create and produce a broad range of high quality theatrical experiences.
The most important aspects of their work are the teaching and learning of theatre skills and the personal development and growth of every member. They create work in a professional, nurturing environment. Their main focus is working as an ensemble – working together as a company.
