Calderdale Theatre School Association Report of the trustees for the year ending 31[st] July 2023
Purposes and activities
The purpose of the charity is to advance the education and skills of young people in Calderdale by developing their understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the arts and culture through theatre, drama and other activities.
The principal activities of Calderdale Theatre School (CTS) were Saturday morning workshops, live performances and theatre trips. The workshops were delivered by a team of freelance professional drama practitioners who also rehearsed and directed the productions. The Saturday morning drama workshops were held during school terms at the Orange Box Young Peoples’ Centre in Halifax. Performances took place on the bandstand at the Piece Hall in Halifax, in the Red Brick Auditorium, Square Chapel in Halifax and in the Minster, Halifax. Students were able to attend two professional theatre productions, A Christmas Carol at the Viaduct Theatre and Quality Street at the Victoria Theatre both in Halifax.
CTS also organised and delivered a drama workshop at The Victoria Theatre, Halifax as part of Calderdale Council’s ‘Healthy Holidays’ programme. This allowed us to offer drama opportunities to a wider demographic and was well received by those who attended.
“ We had some lovely feedback – everybody seems to have had a great day.”
These activities benefited young people by building confidence, developing creativity, improving verbal and non-verbal communication skills, developing empathy and concentration, and encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
“I would like to say thank you for a fantastic five years. E has grown in confidence and made some wonderful friends for life.”
“Thank you to all your staff and volunteers who have been so wonderful over the last few years.”
In planning activities for the year, trustees kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and fee charging. CTS aims to serve young people from all backgrounds and abilities. Of the 35 students registered during the year, 23 identified as female, and 12 as male with 6 students reporting additional needs. CTS relies on the income from fees and charges to cover its operating costs. In setting the level of fees, charges and concessions, the trustees gave careful consideration to the accessibility of the charity for those on low incomes. During the year 8 students received a means-tested reduction for both workshops and theatre trips and a further 2 received a reduction for families with more than 1 student.
CTS welcomes all young people, aged between 11 and 18, regardless of personal background, ability, faith, gender or personal circumstances.
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
Volunteers
The running of CTS is reliant upon the work of volunteer trustees and parents. They do a lot of the administration work of the charity and help behind the scenes making and maintaining costumes and creating sets and props. This year we were particularly grateful to parents, Sophia Godfrey, Paul Gomersall, Lisa Gort, Paula Ward, and Christine Wood for their help with productions.
Achievements and performance
In August some of the students supported Sowerby Bridge Fire and Water in the sPLASH festival by recreating The Battle of Sowerby Bridge. Students helped devise the piece and made the costumes. It was a great opportunity to be part of a local festival.
In December students performed The Snow Hare in the bandstand at the Piece Hall in Halifax. This devised piece was developed from ideas that had grown from workshopping chorus pieces. The imagery was inspired by a song named ‘The Snow Hare’ from The Lost Words & The Lost Spells books by Robert Macfarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris. A lovely piece and a good opportunity for the students to perform in a public space to a wider audience.
“A truly wonderful performance by all!!”
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
CTS made a welcome return to the Red Brick auditorium at Square Chapel in May. The Three Snake Leaves is a dark retelling of two classic tales by the Brothers Grimm – The Three Snake Leaves and Snow White and Rose Red. This original script was first developed in 2014 by local Halifax theatre group Grim North Theatre and was adapted for CTS by Ben Healey. The students successfully rose to the challenge of performing on a full-size stage and produced an outstanding performance. They loved the difference professional lighting made to the setting and the chance to have proper dressing rooms. Audience reaction was excellent.
“Was wonderfully dark and brilliant. Well done CTS!”
In July CTS was invited to perform at the Minster in Halifax as part of their Summer Festival. The students relished the opportunity to perform in a very different space. The two pieces were devised around the theme of the sun and the moon. The younger students performed Icarus and the Sun, acting as onlookers as Daedalus made his ill-fated attempt to fly close to the sun. The older students tackled Shakespeare, performing extracts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Outstanding performances all round and very well received.
“Yet another very fine performance of Icarus and A Midsummer Night’s Dream from CTS… so proud!”
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
Financial Review
The financial pressure on families meant that trustees decided not to increase fees this year. This, combined with an increasing number of our students receiving assisted places, meant that we ran at a deficit. We were fortunate to receive a legacy of £8500 which we have put into a legacy fund. This will allow us to provide opportunities, like performing on a professional stage, and taking part in festivals, which we could not otherwise afford. We have continued to hold workshops at the Orange Box and are grateful to Calderdale Council for their support. Cash at the bank at 31/07/2022 was £19,970 in unrestricted funds. The main financial risk to the charity is a sustained reduction in student numbers and the increasing cost of premises to hire for workshops and performances. We aim to keep £5000 in reserve funds to cover 6 months running costs and to meet any unforeseen expenditure that may occur.
Structure, Governance and Management
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by its constitution dated 26[th] January 2013.
The board of trustees, which can have up to 12 members, administers the charity. The board meets every 2 months. The board engages the services of freelance drama practitioners to deliver the drama workshops and other activities. In accordance with the constitution one third of trustees retire each year but they are eligible for re-election. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefit.
The charity has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and an Equality and Diversity Policy. All freelance staff who work directly with the students are required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The trustees are currently working to develop policies on trustees’ expenses, trustees’ conflicts of interest and financial controls.
Reference and Administrative Details
Calderdale Theatre School Association (CTSA), charity No. 1151269, is registered at 23 Chiserley Gardens, Wadsworth, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 8RU.
Trustees
Rachel Smith – Chair Tony Clark – Vice Chair Gerry Powell – Treasurer Michaela O’Sullivan – Secretary Adelle Beswick Louise Clark Alison Roberts
Signed on behalf of trustees:
RACHEL SMITH Chair of Trustees 21/11/2023
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
Calderdale The¢knre School Assoclatlon Summary ofAccounts Financial Year 2022r2023 S.265A7 Acuvities £282.00 £283.12 £2.640. £17268 £12fy) £3 095.80 £88.01 £88.01 £49.56 £8.527.80 £73.(K) £9.476.50 £8 650.36 Fees Fellxvals 2022-2023 ¢3knv 2022.2023 £14.99 £1.2(K).00 £7 950.on 114.99 £9 150.00 2022-2023 £Sc. £233.21 £36 (Xl £40 IK) £155.70 £1786 12 £900.00 £liQ.00 £269.21 £40.00 NA Sun MLX £214.57 £1155. £572.25 £900 00 £25.00 2023 £175.fKI TOTAiS £IS843.82 £IW44 ¥709.62 £19 975.49
Net Worth Report Pagelofl Net Worth Report Account: All Accounts Net Worth at: 3110712023 (in GB Pounds) Bank BAC Festlval Account Focrs 546.16 315.08 0.00 296.45 3.02 18,776.76 19,937.47 Maln Account Productlon Account Savlngs Account Bank Total Investments Investment Total 0.00 Assets Cash Account Debtors Asset Total 23.02 15.00 38.02 Credlt Card Credlt Card Total 0.00 Llabllltles Llablllty Total 0.00 Overall Total: 19,975.49 about'.blank 0910112024