REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] JULY 2023
This annual report was presented by the trustee of this charity organization for the year ended 31[st] July 2023.
Charity name: Three’s Theatre Company
Charity registration number: NIC108668
Principal Activity:
The Company has power: to commission, present, promote, organise, manage and produce performances, workshops, written material and exhibitions of works of cultural and heritage value including performances, dramas, comedies and exhibitions. To provide a forum for discussion, debate and reflection within communities to celebrate accurately and inclusively our shared history and traditions.
Our office:
Three's Theatre Company, Lisburn, Hillsborough, 25 Eglantine Crescent, BT26 6FG
Independent Examiner:
Broad Street Advisory Ltd acts as an independent examination of the account and provide us with advice as when required.
Mission, Objectives and Strategy
Mission:
Our mission is to nurture and sustain local talent by creating opportunities for artists to showcase their work through unique and memorable theatrical experiences. Through our productions, workshops, and community outreach programs, we aim to foster creativity and empower individuals to explore their artistic potential. Additionally, Three's Theatre Company is dedicated to building relationships between the creative industries and other sectors within Northern Ireland. By collaborating with local businesses, schools, and community organisations, we seek to create a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape. Furthermore, we are committed to encouraging conversations around modern social issues and using theatre as a platform for social change. We believe in telling stories with empathy, openness, and curiosity, and strive to engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences that inspire dialogue and understanding.
Objectives:
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Explore how the UnSmart Home can be used to engage young people in creative arts and use creativity to explore coding
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Strengthen partnerships with local businesses and funding organisations to secure funding and resources for our projects and initiatives.
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Enhance audience engagement through innovative and interactive theatrical experiences.
Strategy:
Our strategy for achieving our objectives revolves around three main pillars: engagement, artistic excellence, and financial sustainability.
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Engagement: We will continue to prioritise outreach and collaboration, working closely with local schools, community centres, and grassroots organisations to make theatre accessible to all. Through workshops, performances, and participatory events, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.
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Artistic Excellence: We are committed to producing high-quality theatre that challenges, inspires, and entertains audiences. By investing in the professional development of our artists and creative team, we will ensure that our productions are artistically innovative and socially relevant. We will also strive to
cultivate diverse voices and perspectives, reflecting the rich tapestry of Northern Ireland's cultural landscape.
- Financial Sustainability: To sustain our mission and operations, we will pursue a multi-faceted approach to fundraising and revenue generation. This includes diversifying our funding sources through grant applications, corporate sponsorships and ticket sales. We will also explore opportunities for earned income.
Achievements and Performance
The year 2022-2023 was marked by significant growth and innovation for Three's Theatre Company. Despite the challenges posed by the arts funding crisis, our small but dedicated team worked tirelessly to deliver impactful projects that resonated with audiences across Northern Ireland.
1. UnSmart Home:
One of our flagship initiatives during this period was the development and execution of the UnSmart Home project. This immersive experience, designed as an escape room-style activity, aimed to teach children coding skills through engaging gameplay and interactive challenges. Partnering with Instil and Connswater Shopping Centre, we transformed an empty shopping unit into a dynamic learning environment, welcoming members of the public and youth groups to participate. The project garnered significant recognition, earning us a nomination for an Arts and Business Award. Funding from the Arts Council and Arts & Business, along with generous support from Connswater and Instil, made this endeavour possible.
2. Expansion of UnSmart Home:
Building on the success of the UnSmart Home project, Three's Theatre Company secured additional funding from the Arts Council NI Creative Seed Funding and partnered with Queen's University to further develop the initiative. With a focus on mobility and accessibility, we aimed to adapt the project for school settings, reaching a wider audience of young learners and promoting digital literacy through innovative educational experiences.
3. Support for Emerging Writers:
In line with our commitment to nurturing local talent, we were proud to receive funding from the Arts Council NI Lottery funding to support the development of two promising new writers. Through mentorship and collaboration, we provided emerging playwrights with the opportunity to showcase their work in a public setting. The Rehearsed Reading event hosted at the MAC Belfast allowed audiences to engage with fresh and compelling voices in Northern Irish theatre.
4. That Sinking Feeling Project:
Addressing the urgent issue of climate change, Three's Theatre Company continued with our immersive project "That Sinking Feeling." created through funding by Belfast City Council in 2021. This thoughtprovoking experience invited participants to confront the reality of rising sea levels through a sensory journey. Travelling to locations such as Banbridge and Connswater, we utilised innovative technology and audio design to create an immersive environment where individuals could explore the impact of climate change firsthand.
5. Belfast 2024 Project:
Looking ahead to the future, Three's Theatre Company applied for participation in the Belfast 2024 project with an ambitious large-scale production. We are thrilled at the prospect of contributing to this city-wide initiative and are eager to leverage our expertise in immersive storytelling to create memorable experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Overall, the year 2022-2023 was marked by creativity, collaboration, and engagement for Three's Theatre Company. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional theatre and using our platform to address pressing social issues while inspiring imagination and fostering a love for the arts.
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Three’s Theatre Company showed a cash deficit during the year in terms income/expense but this was held up by prior years positive cashflows enabling the Charity to fulfil its objectives. |
|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves Stating why they are held |
NA |
| Number of reserves held | NA |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
NA |
| Details of fund materially in deficit | NA |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
NA |
Structure, Governance and Management
Structure:
Three's Theatre Company operates as a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees. Our organisational structure includes dedicated teams responsible for artistic programming, production management, marketing and communications, finance and administration, and engagement.
Governance:
The Board of Trustees provides strategic oversight and governance to Three's Theatre Company, ensuring that we remain true to our mission and values. Composed of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, the Board meets regularly to review organisational performance, set strategic priorities, and provide guidance on key decisions. Trustees are selected based on their expertise in areas such as arts management, fundraising, law, and computer programming, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organisation. We currently have 5 board members.
Management:
Day-to-day operations of Three's Theatre Company are overseen by our Artistic Director, who works with the Board of Trustees to implement strategic goals and objectives. Our team is small but dedicated, mainly our Artistic Director and when funding allows Kathy Young supports administration and financial administrative support, for specific programmes we bring in a team of experts and high quality artists. Together, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and creativity in everything we do.
Trustees and Director (s) at the date the report was approved
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Name office
Connie Dalton Trustee
Claire Burn Trustee
Bronagh McFeely Trustee
Qussei Buhidma Trustee
Helen Burn Trustee
Marcus McGrath Trustee
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Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the charity (account and report) regulation of Northern Ireland 2015 which give a true and fair view of the asset and liability of the charity; and any surplus or deficit for that year.
Preparing the financial statements, trustees are required to;
1. Choose suitable account policies and apply them consistently
2. Make reasonable and wise judgements and estimations
3. Prepare financial statements on-going concern basis unless the presumption that the charity will continue is in-appropriate.
The trustees are solely responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time of the financial position of the charity. They are responsible to safeguard the charity assets and taking reasonable actions for the prevention and detection of fraud and any other irregularities.
Declaration:
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on
behalf of the charity’s trustees
Full name Marcus McGrath Position Trustee Member Date 13/03/2024