The Synergy Theatre Project
works with prisoners and ex prisoners in London, using theatre as a tool
for rehabilitation and a method through which to engage the public in the
wider issues surrounding imprisonment.
Funding is currently sought for the following programs:
Crime prevention workshops for schools. 100-150 workshops are held in
secondary schools each year. Each workshop lasts an afternoon, costs £250,
and is attended by up to 30 children. The Synergy Theatre Project works
with the police to identify areas of deprivation where the risk of crime
is high.
Additional new writing programs at a cost of £3,000. The current
new writing program is being held in Hampstead with a further program
planned in Pentonville.
The Synergy Theatre Project is also seeking funding for productions.
Inside prison, a production costs approximately £25,000 and audiences
of up to 500 attend each run. Outside prison, productions are held in
theatres including the Royal Court Theatre and the Trafalgar Theatre at
a cost of £50,000. These reach approximately 2,500 members of the
public per run.
Can you help?
Contact us
about supporting Synergy
The Synergy Theatre Project is founded on the belief that theatre is a
transformative medium through which to challenge misconceptions surrounding
prisoners and society. There are four aspects to their work: theatre production,
writing, crime prevention and radio/film. To date, their work has included
eleven theatre productions with prisoners and ex prisoners, three crime
prevention projects, work in radio, a national prison script writing competition
and the commission of a play.
Our assessment:
- The Synergy Theatre Project provides therapeutic activities that are
well complimented by state-provided therapies.
- Their theatre productions are consistently of a high, professional standard.
- 80% of audiences remain for after show discussions
Quick facts
| Location: |
UK |
| Sector: |
Arts, Education |
| Annual income: |
£158,913 (2008) |
| Annual expenditure: |
£133,850 |
| Number of paid staff: |
2 full time, 2 part time |
| Registration: |
UK Registered charity 1088692 |
| Date of most recent contact with Prospero: |
UK meeting: June 2009
Field visit: London Royal Court Theatre, July 2009 |