Arts centre Kirkgate Centre can go to the hi-tech ball – thanks to a near-£2,000 grant from its own fairy godmother, Full-Fibre broadband provider Fibrus.
The community-led theatre and arts centre in Cockermouth has turned its windfall pot of gold into technical equipment, including a MacBook and iPad to help improve local productions.
It will allow the venue to make full use of LED stage lighting and industry-standard sound and lighting software – and the new gadgets will make their stage debut this weekend, waving their electronic wand over an am-dram production of Once Upon a Time in Pantoland.
The grant of £1,928 came from Fibrus’s Community Fund which supports groups and organisations around Cumbria. Recent recipients include Kirkby Stephen Youth Group, Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, and the Uncovering Roman Carlisle archaeological dig,
Katie Gentry, operations manager at the Kirkgate, said their grant had arrived at a crucial time.
“We’re incredibly grateful. With us being a community-led arts venue in the current financial climate, it’s always a struggle just keeping the lights on, never mind trying to make sure we keep up with all the technical advancements in performance,” she said.
The centre has recently upgraded its stage lighting to energy-efficient LED units through Arts Council funding and support from other funders. However, to unlock the full potential of the new system, additional equipment was needed.
“To make full use of the new equipment, we really wanted to try and get hold of a MacBook, which thankfully Fibrus has provided funding for,” Katie explained.
“It enables us to run sound cues alongside lighting cues and control all that from the programme on the MacBook.”
“The iPads, in addition to that, give us control of the lights and sound anywhere in the room, so we’re not tied to the tech desk.
“It should make the show slicker and it will certainly give a better impression to visiting artists and companies because they’ll be able to just plug their files into that software and then be ready to go. It brings us up to the industry standard, which is really wonderful.”
The funding is also helping to attract a new generation of volunteers to the Kirkgate Centre, particularly those interested in behind-the-scenes technical roles, vitally important for a venue which relies on volunteers.
Katie said: “It’s already encouraged more younger volunteers to get involved. There are a couple of young technicians coming up through the ranks and, to be honest, they’re learning faster than we are, so they’re really running with it.”
One of those volunteers is Daniel Bishop, a student from Cockermouth School, who is currently helping with the centre’s upcoming pantomime.
“We’ve got a few new tech volunteers who’ve got involved with the centre essentially because of us having this new kit,” Katie said.
The pantomime – Once Upon a Time in Pantoland, staged by Cockermouth Amateur Dramatic Society – will be the first use of the new equipment in a live setting.
“This is its baptism of fire, as it were,” Katie said. “We’re really excited to have that cutting-edge technology to use for our shows, and we’re looking forward to seeing it in action with the panto.”
Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said: “It’s great news that the Kirkgate Centre has put our grant to such good use, and perfect that the new gadgets will be used for the first time on a panto.
“We’re sure it will be great fun for everyone – with exceptional sound and lighting, of course.”
* Once Upon a Time in Pantoland is on at the Kirkgate Centre on 30 and 31 January and 6 to 8 February.
