A community theatre space used by adults with learning disabilities and autism has been given an £8,000 grant to get the lights back on.
The theatre is run by Camphill MK, a unique site offering living space and a meaningful working life for adults with a wide range of learning difficulties.
Over 50 residents live with volunteer co-workers and together with employed staff they form a community of over 100 people living on sites in Milton Keynes.
At the heart of the charity’s community is the purpose-built 250-seater Chrysalis Theatre, which is also home to many local drama groups and musical collectives.
When the venue’s lighting desk stopped working there was a risk of shows and the backstage
workshops regularly scheduled for the adults with learning disabilities who live on site being
cancelled.
At which point renowned music specialist Marshall Amplification stepped in with a temporary
lighting desk to keep the lights on and then, through its Jim Marshall Charitable Trust, guaranteeing that the theatre wouldn’t go dark again by awarding the charity the money to fully replace the desk.
The grant will also support the upgrading of lights from halogen to LED systems. “Partnerships like this are invaluable to us, and I am pleased the team at Marshall saw the value in our work,” said Lucy Davies, Head of Development at Camphill MK.
“The Chrysalis Theatre is popular not just with our residents but also the wider community.”
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