Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre has proudly secured the prestigious Community Award at the Circle 2 Success Regional Business Awards 2024 for the South West. This accolade, determined by a panel of 20 judges from various sectors, acknowledges organisations that exemplify responsible business practices and contribute to strengthening and building resilient communities.
The Community Award, for which the Everyman Theatre was shortlisted alongside Gloucester Brewery, Gloucestershire Community Foundation, Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking, Hooray Recruitment, and The Nelson Trust, highlights contributions to community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and ethical practices.
As Gloucestershire’s leading professional theatre, the Everyman Theatre offers a wide range of entertainment, along with a variety of educational and community programmes, engaging 20,000 people annually across the county.
The theatre is dedicated to making theatre accessible to all. Through collaborations with local organisations the Everyman’s team promote wellbeing through drama and arts workshops. Collaborations include Gloucestershire Hospital School Room, The Rock in Cheltenham, National Star College, TwoCan, P3, Cheltenham Open Door and Kings Table. The theatre also supports displaced children and adults through projects with Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees (CWR) and the Gloucestershire Association for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS).
The theatre strives to offer cultural and educational opportunities, including youth theatres, community choirs, dementia-friendly programmes, and professional training for students. The Everyman Theatre’s free Arts Award scheme encourages young people to engage in creative projects, while boosting their professional confidence and skills.
Additionally, a host of accessible theatre options, including British Sign Language interpreted, Audio Described performances, Touch Tours for the visually impaired, and ‘relaxed’ shows have helped to make performances more accessible for those who may have otherwise faced barriers to attending the theatre.
And the hard work doesn’t stop in 2024, looking forward the Everyman Theatre is committed to further improving its accessibility offerings and environmental practices. Notably, there are plans to enhance the in-house headset and hearing loop systems for those with hearing difficulties. Environmental initiatives include reducing plastic use, and exploring solar panel installation, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
“We are deeply grateful for this recognition of our hard work to make the arts accessible throughout Gloucestershire, and remain dedicated to enriching our community through the transformative power of theatre” said Francesca Goddard, Corporate Partnership Manager for the Everyman Theatre
