Now & Next – Planning the future of the Headgate
The Headgate Theatre is set for an exciting future! Theatre Arts Action trustees have set out a major improvement programme with seven areas for development. These seven priorities were inspired by a workshop in January this year when some 60 Headgate theatre-lovers met up for a series of group discussions.
At the January workshop, a number of volunteers came forward and each priority now has a project lead to come up with further proposals in June. This is your chance to get involved.
The project leads would welcome your help. If you would like to join any of the following projects, or simply have your say, please email the project lead. Email addresses are listed below.
- Creating a cultural hub – Project leads, Wendy Smith & Sallie Mills Lewis
Eight of the nine mixed group discussions at the January workshop talked about the Headgate not just as a building for hire, but as a cultural space for Colchester.
To join this project, please email wsmitty@btinternet.com - Technical improvements – Project lead, Geoff Lee
The technical team is already working on upgrading our sound and lighting systems.
To join this project, please email geoffrlee@btinternet.com - Building improvements and accessibility – Project lead, Dave King
Members of the Headgate Management Group are already pursuing several ideas for improving the building inside and out.
To join this project, please email dave@headgatetheatre.co.uk
- Review the volunteers model – Project leads, Sallie Mills Lewis & Dawn King
While the trustees were already developing the deal for volunteers, further suggestions also came up at the January workshop.
To join this project, please email salliemillslewis@btinternet.com
- Internal communications – Project leads, Pat Gaudin & Sallie Mills Lewis
This was one of the top 10 priorities highlighted by workshop participants.
To join this project, please email salliemillslewis@btinternet.com
- External communications, marketing and publicity – Project lead, Pat Gaudin
This is the number one most frequently-mentioned area for development.
To join this project, please email pa.gaudin@btinternet.com - Other important issues e.g. policies – Project lead, George Branagh
The trustees have already completed a policy review and have added to and updated the theatre’s policies.
To join this project, please email secretary@headgatetheatre.co.uk
Looking ahead, Sallie Mills Lewis, one of our board vice-chairs, is overseeing the projects and drafting the high level strategy to be reviewed by the trustees in June 2025.
If you’d like to read the Now & Next reports then feel free to check them out below!