2024-07-31-accounts - Artless Theatre Trust

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ARTLESS THEATRE TRUST – TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

as at 31 July 2023

Section A

Other names charity is known by

Artless

Artless Theatre Company

Charity's principal address

398 Brentwood Road, Romford, Essex, RM2 6DH

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity	Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity	Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity	Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
Robert Scott	Treasurer		Trustee majority
Rebecca Poch	Chair		Trustee majority
Penny Spearman	Secretary		Trustee majority
Steve Maltz			Trustee majority
Sandra O’Neal		Appointed 9 May 2023	Trustee majority
Elizabeth Fennell		Appointed 28 April 2023	Trustee majority
Neil Henery		Appointed 18 July 2023	Trustee majority
James Poch		1 Sept 2022- 12 Feb 2023	Resigned 15 November 2022
Nathan Gilderson		1 Sept 2022-15 May 2023	Resigned 15 May 2023
Aaron Babla		1 Sept 2022-2 June 2023	Resigned 2 June 2023
Paul Syrstad		1 Sept 2022-5 June 2023	Resigned5 June 2023

Section B

Type of governing document: Constitution How the charity is constituted: CIO Trustee Selection Method: Elected by existing trustees

Section C

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document:

(A) To advance the Christian faith predominantly among young people and families, in schools, groups, communities and in conjunction with the churches in the area of drama & theatre ministry across the United Kingdom.
(B) To advance the education and appreciation of the dramatic arts by producing and presenting to the public high-quality performances of theatre and performance.

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit):

The Artless Theatre Trust has had a remarkable year filled with growth, new ventures, and strategic pauses for reflection and innovation. This report highlights our key activities, achievements, and future plans, emphasising our commitment to advancing the Christian faith through theatre and performance.

Summary of the Main Activities Undertaken for the Public Benefit

The trustees of Artless Theatre Trust have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and are pleased to report the following activities undertaken to fulfil our charitable objectives:

If Prison Walls Could Speak

“If Prison Walls Could Speak” has been an instrumental part of our outreach efforts this year. The production toured extensively across the UK, visiting cities and towns in London, the South West, the Midlands, and the North. Notably, the show was featured at The Few conference organised by the Association of Evangelists in January, where it received an enthusiastic response from attendees. This platform allowed us to share Petr’s compelling story with a wide audience.

We plan to conclude the show’s run in 2025 with a theatre tour across five major UK cities, ensuring that Petr’s story reaches even more people, especially those from an unchurched background.

Amos & the Grumpy Owl

Christmas 2023 saw us launch a brand new play, “Amos & the Grumpy Owl,” marking our largest Christmas tour to date. This significant outreach demonstrates our commitment to engaging new audiences with the gospel message.

In creating this show, we collaborated with young Christian creatives, including a university animator and a recent graduate composer. These partnerships not only enriched the production but also provided valuable opportunities for emerging artists to develop their skills within a supportive, faith-based environment.

The accompanying book, “The Grumpy Owl & the Joy of Christmas,” published by Scripture Union, sold over 40,000 copies. This success has significantly broadened our reach, sharing the joy of Jesus’ birth with many more families.

Networking and exhibiting

This year, we made the strategic decision to pause the touring of our Easter show “Centurion” to allow space for new projects and provide a necessary break from our intense touring schedule. This pause also enabled us to exhibit and network at key conferences such as the New Wine Leadership Conference, Elim Leaders Summit, and the Ekklesia Conference, where we presented a work-in-progress monologue for our upcoming show “Prodigal.” During this time, we also reconnected with Scripture Union at their South East regional gathering, strengthening our partnership and sharing our progress and plans.

Centurion redevelopment

A generous donation allowed us to acquire 200 wireless headsets, enabling us to realise our original vision for “Centurion” using 3D binaural sound. With this new technology we quickly realised that we would need to do a full rewrite of the production and so have been diligently rewriting the script and developing the audio to maximise this new technology, and we look forward to debuting the updated production in Easter 2025.

More Than The Art Conference

This year, we have been developing the More Than The Art Conference, set to launch in summer 2025. The conference aims to support and inspire Christian artists, especially the younger generation, encouraging them to integrate their faith with their artistic pursuits boldly.

The conference will focus on four key areas:

Collaborate: Creating opportunities for artists from diverse backgrounds to network and collaborate, fostering innovation and new perspectives.
Reclaim: Emphasising that being a Christian artist is a natural part of one’s identity, encouraging artists to embrace this perspective.
Encourage: Providing resources and inspiration for personal and artistic growth within a supportive community.
Discipleship: Supporting artists in deepening their relationship with Jesus and integrating their faith into their creative process.

We have been diligently planning the programme, securing a suitable venue, and networking to ensure the conference is a success. We are excited to see how this initiative will empower Christian artists to glorify God through their work.

Pilgrims Week

This summer, we participated in Pilgrims Week in partnership with the Diocese of Chelmsford, bringing together six primary schools at the chapel in Bradwell-on-Sea. We wrote a new sketch, explaining the gospel in 8 minutes, which was well-received by the children and teachers. We also facilitated twelve workshops exploring the story and message of the Prodigal Son, enriching the students’ understanding of the gospel.

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year:

This year, Artless Theatre Trust has made significant strides in expanding its reach and impact. Our achievements highlight the dedication and hard work of our team and the support of our partners and donors.

Touring Productions

If Prison Walls Could Speak

The extensive touring of “If Prison Walls Could Speak” across the UK, including performances at major conferences and festivals, has been a significant achievement. The show’s impactful message has reached a wide audience, strengthening our mission to share stories of faith and resilience. Our partnership with Release International has opened new avenues for future tours, ensuring that our goal of 100 performances by 2025 is within reach.

The Cedarwood Festival in the summer was another significant venue for the show, providing high-quality theatre to the festival-goers. This new partnership with Cedarwood allowed us to engage with a broader audience and offer impactful storytelling as part of the festival’s after-hours entertainment.

Our collaboration with Release International has continued to strengthen, setting the stage for future tours across Scotland, the South East, the North, and the West of England. Through these efforts, we are on track to achieve our goal of 100 performances by the end of 2025.

Amos & the Grumpy Owl

“Amos & the Grumpy Owl” successfully launched as our largest Christmas tour, reaching over 2100 children and families. The production’s success is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from venues, with all ratings being five stars. One church noted:

“Artless were amazing, they came and performed 3 performances at our Christmas events. The children and schools that attended loved it. We would definitely have them again. Their love for performing and sharing the gospel was so evident in their production. Such talented guys would recommend every church to have them and take the opportunity to invite the community. Thanks Guys for a great production.”

Remarkably, over 50% of the audience came from unchurched backgrounds, showcasing the wide-reaching impact and effectiveness of theatre in presenting the gospel in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

The sale of the accompanying book, “The Grumpy Owl & the Joy of Christmas” has significantly expanded our outreach and impact, bringing the joy of the Christmas message to many more families.

Innovative Projects and Collaborations

Although it was outside our usual focus, we felt compelled to pursue the publication of The Grumpy Owl & the Joy of Christmas. The book went on to sell over 40,000 copies. This achievement has significantly expanded our outreach and impact, bringing the joy of the Christmas message to many more families. This achievement underscores our willingness to embrace risks and follow what we believe to be God’s leading, demonstrating our commitment to both innovation and obedience in our mission.

This year has seen fruitful collaborations with young Christian creatives, enhancing our productions with fresh perspectives and talent. The partnership with a university animator and a recent graduate composer for “Amos & the Grumpy Owl” has not only enriched the production but also provided valuable opportunities for emerging artists. The upcoming conference is also a way to help feedback into the Christian creative community and to help raise up the next generation of artists and emboldened those currently in that space.

Our investment in wireless headsets to introduce 3D binaural sound to “Centurion” is a testament to our commitment to innovation in theatre. This technology will enhance the audience’s experience, creating a more immersive environment that deepens their engagement with the story and with Scripture. We believe that incorporating these technologies enhances the audience’s connection to the story being told, allowing them to experience the Good News of Jesus in a way that maybe they never have before.

We believe this advancement will not only elevate our own productions but also inspire other Christian theatre groups to explore similar innovations. We firmly believe that innovations like this continue to maintain the high standard of quality that is expected at an Artless production. We are excited to debut the updated production in Easter 2025 and look forward to the deeper audience engagement it will foster, setting a new benchmark for excellence in Christian theatre.

Educational and Creative Development Initiatives

The development of the More Than The Art Conference and our participation in Pilgrims Week have been significant milestones in our educational and outreach efforts. These initiatives not only support young artists and students but also reinforce our broader mission of nurturing faith through the arts. The upcoming conference, poised to become a vital resource for Christian artists, also demonstrates Artless’ commitment to being a thought leader, guiding the integration of faith and creativity in meaningful and impactful ways.

Challenges and Future Goals

Despite intentionally scaling back our touring activities, we have experienced continued financial growth, thanks to the generosity of our donors. However, managing our increasing workload with

only two employees remains a significant challenge. We are exploring options to expand our team to better manage our projects and tours. We are so grateful for the generosity that has enabled us to sustain and grow our mission. Our goal is to continue expanding our core supporter base to facilitate the hiring of new staff, which will allow us to manage and grow our projects more effectively.

Conclusion and Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters, partners, and donors. Your support has been instrumental in advancing our mission to spread the gospel through theatre and performance. We look forward to what God has in store for Artless in the coming year.

Thank you for being part of the Artless story.

ARTLESS THEATRE TRUST

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

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1 Accounting Policies
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The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement which shows the charitiy's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession has determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a "true and fair" view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not presnt (and are not intended to present) a "true and fair"view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.

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|||||||||||||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |2|Movement|of|Funds| |Balance|at|Balance|at| |31|July 2023|Receipts|Payments|Transfers|31|July 2024| |General|Funds|7,424.66|87,256.26|(89,490)|-|5,190.72| |Restricted|Funds| |Donations|for|Sound|Desk|8,000.00|2,500.00|0|-|10,500.00| |Donation|for|lighting|control|console|-|2,799.00|(2,799)|=|s| |Donations|for|Headphones|8,000.00|(7,530)|-|470.00| |Donation|for|Project|"The|Prodigal”|20,000.00|0|-|20,000.00| |8,000.00|33,299.00|(10,329)|-|30,970.00| |Total|Funds|15,424.66|120,555.26|(99,819)|=|36,160.72| |Restricted|Funds| |The|funds|shown|in|the|table|above|were|donated|for|specific|purposes|:| |Sound|Desk|During|the|year|2022/2023,|two|donors|contributed|£8,000|between|them|toward|the|purchase|of|a|van.|During|the|year,|it| |was|decided|that|the|purchase|of|a|van|was|not|a|practical|option|and|the|donors|agreed|that|their|gifts|should|be|used| |towards|the|purchase|of|a|sound|desk.|A|further|donation|of £2,500|was|made|during|2023/4.| |Lighting|Control|console|A|single|donation|of £2,799 was|received|during|the|year|and|the|console was|purchased.| |Headphones|A|single|donation|of|£8,000|was|received|for|the|purchase|of|headphones|and|these|were|purchased.|The|small|residual| |balance|will|be|used|for a|further|associated|purchase| |"The|Prodigal”|Project|The|next|major|project|will|be|a working|of "The|Prodigal"|and|two|major donors|have|each|given|£10,000|towards|the|project.|

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3 Restricted Funds

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Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period from 01/08/2023 34/07/2024
8,228
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds
funds funds funds
tothe nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A‘ Receipts :
[o.oo [09
[Fund Raising & Sponsorship ——Si| SSS [0.09| _0.00 [09|[0.0]0.00] a) PT[|C«22,055.64]Pcaa
a a: ae
Sub total (Gross income for AR) P00 [7055529
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(seet table).
Total receipts [37 75625 2a
A3 Payments
[0.09 [009
[09 [0.00
| 0.00 |[0.090.00] 18,087.75 [tt
eT
[0.00] [oc]
Sub total [0.00 [0.000.09 [5251.19
purchases, (see table
Sub total|_—0.00] P00 P00) 8.00) P00
Total payments 89,490.20 70,329.00 99,819.20 62,363.86
Net of receipts/(payments) -2,233.94| 22,970.00] | 0,00) 20,736.06 3,858.39]
AS Transfers between funds = [__0.00 [8.0] 8.09 80 ~~
A6 Cash funds last year end 7,424.66 8,000.00 | 0.00) 15,424.66 "11,566.27
Cash funds this year end 5,190.72 30,970.00) | 0.00} 36,160.72 15,424.66]
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2
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* . CHARITY COMMISSION Independent examiner's FOR ENGLAND AND WALES report on the accounts

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Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
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poe eS ee
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JULY 2024 2024 Charity no | 1172501 | 1172501 1172501 | (if any) any) | | 1-3 fg | report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the the preparation of the the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act’). | report in respect of mv examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, | have foiiowed the anpiicabie Directions aiven bv the Charitv Commissio: under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the the preparation basis of report of the the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act’).
—gesondent ! have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have caAaininers Siatement come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any mate! respect: ¢ accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
2 the accounts do not accord with the accountina records

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shouid be drawn in order to enabie a

Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

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signed: | SIGNED Date: | 23 September 2024 |
fe
Name: | ian Michael Hoiiocks
Sg ee ee
Relevant professional | FCCA |
aualification(s) or body | |
(if| any):} | |
Address: PO
| 69 Priest Lane |
ereWOCN
| CM15 8HG |
Tn
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IER

October 2018

Section B

Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.

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IER

October 2018