Prism Arts Studio Theatre took their production Four Treasures to Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, for the second leg of their tour, with support from Reays Coaches who provided a coach and driver to transport the company.
Prism Arts Studio Theatre, based in Carlisle, is an integrated company where adults with learning disabilities and professional artists work in partnership.
Studio Theatre create their productions in their entirety with the process taking about a year. They begin with research, then design and create the sets, puppets and costumes. They then write the script, add music and rehearse before finally taking it on tour.
Four Treasures is made up of four stories, The Princess and the Sun, Birdsong, Golden Ocean and The Lotus Flower. Each story centres on one of four themes (faith, trust, honesty and truth), and explores what makes them ‘treasures.’ Influenced by Indian culture and folk tales it is an entrancing performance which uses live acting, puppetry and live music.
For over 30 years Prism Arts have been developing and delivering arts projects which are accessible to everyone.
They predominantly work creating visual arts and theatre productions with people with additional learning needs, older people and younger people. Their visual art is showcased in exhibitions in galleries and public spaces and their productions are performed in theatres, schools and community spaces. They aim to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds and endeavour to change perceptions of work created by these often excluded groups.
Prism Arts is based in Carlisle but they work throughout Cumbria. They run four weekly arts programmes in Carlisle and one on the west coast. They also run arts projects with organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Cumbria Museum of Military Life, as well as many schools throughout the county.
All of their projects are run by professional artists who work in partnership with the participants, facilitating them in all aspects of the creative process from research, to creating, to exhibiting or performing.
Last year Prism Arts ran over 600 workshops which gave 2,500 individuals of all ages the opportunity to explore, develop and reveal their creative talents. The art exhibitions and theatre productions they produced over the last year were enjoyed by over 200,000 people.
Catherine Coulthward, CEO Prism Arts said,
“The Exchange was easy and quick to use, we simply posted about the support we needed and waited to see if anyone could help. We were surprised and delighted when we heard from Reays Coaches, we didn’t expect it at all. It was easy to organise the coaches with Reays they were all so helpful and the drivers were thoughtful and friendly. Their offer made such a difference, it is wonderful to have their support.“
Kerrie Allison, Head of Sales & Marketing at Reays Coaches said,
“At Reay’s we’re proud to support the local communities in which we live and work, within our main operating geographical areas of Copeland, Allerdale, Carlisle City and Eden. Prism Arts Studio Theatre proactively bring together adults with learning disabilities and professional artists to work in partnership to inspire and unleash the potential in individuals. This for us is exciting and by working collaboratively with organisations like this we are able to have a collective impact and make a difference to the lives of our local people.”
What was achieved?
Reays Coaches provided a coach and driver to transport the theatre company between Carlisle and Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, on the 14th and 15th February 2019.
Benefit?
Funds which would have been used for transport costs were saved for other aspects of programme delivery.
Where can I find out about the parties involved?
Prism Arts: http://www.prismarts.org.uk/
Reays Coaches: http://www.reays.co.uk/