Introduction

Heydays

Feeling Good Theatre Company

Community Network

Beautiful Octopus Club

First Floor

The Community Network scheme allows community groups from across Leeds and West Yorkshire to see the shows and use the resources at the Playhouse.

Groups are entitled to special discount rates for Playhouse shows on specific dates. Network members may call on the expertise of Playhouse staff to help them organise a special event, bring a group for a backstage tour or take part in creative workshops. The Playhouse also holds Community Network open days and a Christmas Party where groups can publicise their work to Playhouse attenders and other network groups

There are currently 131 members of Community Network who can tailor the benefits of the scheme to suit their groups.

Recent events

Recent Events

Over the past season Community Network groups have been involved in the Playhouse in numerous ways.

The Phoenix Showstoppers, a drama group for adults with learning disabilities have enjoyed a backstage tour, and have performed drama and dance routines on 2 occasions at the Playhouse’s Beautiful Octopus Club.

The Playhouse’s marketing department called on the expertise of various Community Network groups in putting together a new access brochure – Open to Everyone. Groups who contributed to this include: Community Alternatives Team, Leeds & District M.E. Group, Openings for Women, Pyramid of Arts, South Leeds Family and Friends Carers Group, Vandan group, Moorend Day Services and Home Farm Trust.

Each year groups are invited to attend the Playhouse’s Community Network Open Day. This is a great opportunity to publicise the work of each group and share knowledge and skills with other group leaders and members. In May 2008 around 20 groups took the opportunity to display information at this event and talk to members of the public about their work.

Performances at the open day came from Urban Sprawl Theatre Company, dealing with issues of homelessness and Feeling Good Theatre Company, taking a light hearted yet thought-provoking look at ageing. Also on offer were drama workshops with the Playhouse’s Creative Education Team, a backstage tour, a chance to dress up in fabulous costumes from the Playhouse’s Costume Hire department and an introduction to the production of Fast Labour, with Assistant Director, Justin Audibert.

Throughout the year, Community Network groups make use of the Playhouse’s conference facilities at a reduced rate, and use the bar and restaurant as a meeting area.

Interested in becoming a member?

Does your group qualify for membership?

• Community Network provides discounted tickets to its member groups – these are groups who cannot access the Playhouse though any of the other discount ticket schemes that the Playhouse offer. For more information about other discount tickets contact David Salkeld, Box Office Manager on 0113 213 7700 or david.salkeld@wyp.org.uk.roline.gornall@wyp.org.uk
• The Playhouse aims to have a range of groups represented within Community Network, with a particular emphasis on groups that are currently under-represented in Playhouse audiences and projects.
• Membership of Community Network is at the discretion of the Playhouse, and subject to an annual review, which will take place each June-July.

If you want more information about Community Network or you want an application form for your group please contact Nicky Taylor, Community Development Officer on 0113 213 7296 or nicky.taylor@wyp.org.uk

useful links

Leeds Communities Online www.leedscommunities.org