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The Playhouse is a non-profit community theatre, meaning that all income generated from the shows and events goes directly towards the running costs and maintenance of the venue. We are very proud that we only have one paid employee and everyone else involved are all volunteers. Our backstage crew, show Directors, bar staff and of course our performers are all volunteers… yes, they don’t get paid one cent but pour their hearts and souls and many, many hours into producing world class shows and events for our local community.
Although we keep our costs to a minimum, the income generated from the day-to-day events at the theatre do not cover the bigger expenditure needed to improve and update the facilities when needed. Additionally, our dream is to take the power of theatre out into our disadvantaged communities and this can only be achieved through raising further funds.
Please take some time to check out our past, present and future fundraising initiatives along with our current wishlist. If you would like to get involved by joining our fundraising volunteers, please join our whatsapp group here (add link to whatsapp).
Current Wishlist
Microwave x2
These will be used in our newly refurbished Kitchen (our last one passed away recently).
Oven
This will be installed in our newly refurbished Kitchen which we will be hiring out for events. Having an oven will make this space more functional and appealing to those looking for a venue to hire.
Fridge + Freezer
This will be installed in our newly refurbished Kitchen which we will be hiring out for events. Having an fridge with freezer will make this space more functional and appealing to those looking for a venue to hire.
Bar Tables and Chairs
Our current tables and chairs are a little unsteady and with our newly refurbished bar area, we would like to give our front of house area a little uplift.
Airconditioning Units x3
This is a rather big ask but is an essential for the theatre. We have 3 very old units that desperately need replacing. This will ensure our patrons are kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer whilst also reducing our power consumption.
Paint (especially black)
As I’m sure you can imagine, we get through a huge amount of paint for our stage floor and set designs. Any paint, any colour is always appreciated but especially black as this is commonly the colour of choice for the stage floor.
Speaker System for Front of House
This will allow us to play ambient music when the patrons arrive to see a show. We do have one speaker but it is often required on stage.
Should you wish to donate or contribute to an of the above, please email us at fundraising@theplayhouse.org.za
Past Projects
Storm Damage Repair and Refurbishment 2024
On the 6th April 2024 a huge storm hit Somerset West causing havoc to our beloved theatre, destroying our roof, and our (newly installed) solar panels, and causing heretofore untold damage to our stage, props, costume, electricals, etc. While our insurance covered the basics, our excess payment was a huge R70,000 and with significant damage causing us to start from scratch in many areas, we needed to call upon business and community financial support to complete the repairs.
We chose to view this heartbreaking disaster as an opportunity and within a few months whilst the theatre was closed and with many hands of help, we were not only able to repair the damaged areas but were also able to give the backstage areas a huge facelift. Some areas had not been upgraded since the 1940’s….can you tell from the incredible before and after photos below?
The Small Room
Before
After
The Female Dressing Room
Before
After
The Male Dressing Room
Before
After
Front of House
Before
After
This would not have been possible without the support of the individual donors in the community along with the local business sponsors:
Current Project - Light and Sound
Currently the theatre owns very little technical equipment, so we rent equipment to bring our shows and events to life. Light and sound equipment can be incredibly expensive and so the theatre has historically been unable to purchase their own equipment. However, this is our next dream and hopefully with our fundraising initiatives, we will be able to purchase our own equipment saving money on rental which we would love to put towards our future community outreach projects.
Future Projects
Community Outreach
It is no secret that theatre is therapy. The opportunity to explore different characters, express emotions, to move and to work together to achieve a common goal are all positive life experiences that can enrich and nurture our souls. The Playhouse Theatre is a safe space for expression and emersion outside of reality. Many of our performers describe the theatre community as their family. Whilst we are already impacting lives in a positive way, those who attend and are involved in our theatre are generally fortunate enough to be able to provide their own transport. This however is not the case for our local underprivileged populations.
Our vision is to be able to spread the joy of theatre to our wider community by providing much needed transport to and from the theatre. We would also like to take our short plays into the local townships and provide accessible theatre workshops. There is so much unseen talent on our doorstep that is waiting to be discovered.
How Else Can I Get Involved with Fundraising?
Join our fundraising WhatsApp group
We are always looking for volunteers to help support our fundraising initiatives. Whether its baking cookies, selling raffle tickets or organising our annual fundraising gala, we would love to have you onboard. Please follow the link to join our fundraising volunteer group.
Take up a challenge for the Playhouse Theatre
A marathon, sky dive or stair climb are all great personal challenges but also make great sponsorship opportunities. We are always on hand for tips and advice if you fancy stepping out of your comfort zone to raise money.
Sponsor a seat
If you have visited the theatre before, you may have notice that there are plaques on a number of seats in the auditorium. What a lovely gift to give or even a way to remember a loved one who enjoyed the theatre. The R1,000 yearly donation automatically qualifies you as a member of the theatre too. Get in touch to find out more.
Become one of our business supporters
We have been very lucky to secure donations and discounts with local suppliers. If your business is able to support in this way please get in touch by emailing us using the button below.
Become a member of the Playhouse Theatre
Not only will you benefit for member-only events but you will also be privy to special member-only discounts when you visit the theatre. However, the best perk is that your membership fee also supports our fundraising efforts.
Advertising
The Playhouse newsletter is sent out regularly to all members of our theatre. By placing an advert in our newsletter you will be contributing to our ongoing fundraising pot.
If you have any other fundraising queries, please do reach out to us by clicking one of the buttons below.