Calderdale Theatre School Association
Report of the trustees for the year ending 31[st] July 2024
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 drama workshops and live performances. The workshops were delivered by a team of freelance professional drama practitioners who also rehearsed and directed the productions. The Saturday morning workshops were held during school terms at the Orange Box Young Peoples’ Centre in Halifax. Performances took place in the Spiegel tent at the Piece Hall in Halifax, at the Orange Box in Halifax, at HOME in Manchester and in the Minster, Halifax.
CTS also organised and delivered 3 drama workshops 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.
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.
“L has had a wonderful time attending CTS this last year. Thank you.”
In planning activities for the year, trustees kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and fee charging. CTS welcomes all young people, aged between 11 and 18, regardless of personal background, ability, faith, gender or personal circumstances. Of the 35 students registered during the year, 25 were girls, and 14 boys with 5 students reporting additional needs. We tried to start a group for students aged 7 to 10 but were unable to find a day and time when enough could attend to make it viable.
CTS relies on the income from fees 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 1 student received a free place, 9 students received a means-tested reduction, and 2 students received a reduction for families with more than 1 student.
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 and Christine Wood for their help with productions.
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
Achievements and performance
A Christmas Carol
In December CTS was asked to perform A Christmas Carol in the Spiegel tent at the Piece Hall in Halifax. Alison Field adapted the story and created a wonderful ensemble piece which played to a capacity audience who relished the opportunity to sing-along in a raucous finale. The energy and quality of storytelling from the cast was exceptional and the enjoyment of the audience, palpable. A marvellous showcase for the students’ talents and an opportunity to perform to a much wider audience than usual.
“It was a wonderfully exuberant performance. Congratulations to all, a fantastic ensemble, brilliantly directed, and a great venue. Thank you!!”
National Theatre Connections
The older students were selected to take part in the National Theatre Connections programme. They performed a new play, written especially for the 2024 series, called ‘Age is Revolting’ by Abi Zakarian. The students gave a performance in the Orange Box, which was attended by John Young, a National Theatre Director who provided feedback on the show and advised on how to build the production in preparation for a showing at HOME in Manchester at the end of April. This was a full-day event at this professional and state of the art venue. Students joined other young performers for workshops and intense rehearsals led by staff from the National Theatre and HOME, in preparation for the evening performance. A great opportunity for the students to work with professional directors and technicians and see the work of other young people.
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
Toys Re-evolution
In April the younger students devised a play inspired by the much-loved novel ‘The Mouse and his Child’ by Russell Hoban. The group devised short scenes to explore their favourite toys when they were younger and how children have played throughout history and how they play now. Their work was highly creative and involved collaborating in small groups to build scripts and movement ideas.
A wonderful performance, well done!
Summer Words and Music
In June CTS returned to Halifax Minster to take part in their Summer Arts Festival in collaboration with Elland Youth Band. Our students performed readings, poetry and short scenes amidst music provided by the band.
This was a very different experience for the students and built on voice work from the Saturday workshops. Elland Youth Band are an award-winning ensemble and it was a pleasure for our students to work with young people excelling in a different creative area.
Script writing
We were pleased to welcome an ex-member of CTS who is now a Reader in Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway. He spoke to the students about studying drama at university and launched a summer holiday script writing challenge. Students responded with a wide range of writing which they had the opportunity to bring to life in a workshop in the Autumn term. We followed this up by welcoming another ex-student who is a writer, producer and editor with a particular interest in Dr Who to lead a writing and performing workshop. It is so good for introduce students to the range of creative careers beyond acting.
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
Financial Review
Once again, the financial pressure on families meant that trustees decided not to increase fees this year. The financial success of A Christmas Carol and an increase in student numbers meant that we ended the year with a small surplus. We have continued to hold workshops at the Orange Box and are grateful to Calderdale Council for their support. Cash at the bank at 31/07/2024 was £21834 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. During this year trustees approved policies on trustees’ expenses, trustees’ conflicts of interest, financial controls and serious incident reporting.
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
All trustees served for the full year
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 4/11/2024
Calderdale Theatre School Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity No: 1151269
Calderdale Theotre School Associallon Summydry of Aeeounts Flllanelal Year 2023r2024 £14.(Ki £294.78 11,52000 £205.32 £2020.10 £230.22 £621 56 £227.01 £23Q.22 £342.25 £227.01 £298.50 £10 304.fAI £10 440.50 £o.(M) £970.81 CAF 2022-2023 2023-2024 Glow Feiv¥J 2022-2023 £162.00 FreelaMx Staff £1.21M).nO 12.%4 LS.920,0(b £7 132.84 £5.00 £69.00 1401111 2023-2024 £SN). Advex £69 fill £40.00 £4th.75 £46.43 £30.00 £9fK).00 £450.nO NAYT A ebr1 Carol £1,197. £88.22 £1,192.02 £30 00 £9(M) £75.00 2023 £525. TOTA13 £11,867.9S £13,726.211 £1058.25 £1.858.25 £21833.74 Siwxd