Founded in 2011 by Luke John Emmett as a Twitter account, Theatre Bath quickly grew into a central hub for Bath’s theatre community, building connections through a website, Facebook page, and later a thriving group. With a mission to support and advocate for local theatre, it became a key force in nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and advocating for the arts in the city.
Impactful Campaigns and Events
One of Theatre Bath’s first major initiatives, Sat in the Park (2012), raised funds for a local actress to attend drama school, featuring performances from emerging talent in Bath. This grassroots event was managed and promoted by Theatre Bath, demonstrating its early commitment to community support.
In 2012, Theatre Bath organized the Bath Chronicle Open Review Meeting, rallying 105 local representatives when the Chronicle threatened to cut coverage of all local theatre except the Theatre Royal. This successful campaign reversed the decision and preserved vital local arts journalism.
The Bath Theatre Matters Conference (2013), attended by over 140 people, marked a milestone in Theatre Bath’s advocacy work. Hosted at the Guildhall, this event featured keynote speeches from local theatre leaders and was one of the first conferences to be streamed live. This allowed those unable to attend in person to participate, reinforcing Theatre Bath’s role in using technology to expand access to arts discussions.
Conferences and Workshops for the Arts Community
In addition to its public events, Theatre Bath facilitated several workshops and forums, including the Breaking Boundaries Conference (2014), which explored accessibility and diversity in the arts. These conferences served as platforms for discussion and action, bringing together industry leaders to shape the future of local theatre.
The Workshops (2014-15), such as those focused on Shakespeare, lighting design, and social media skills, were tailored to meet the needs of the local theatre community. These skill-building sessions helped emerging artists and local professionals enhance their craft and connect with others in the field.
The Bridging the Gaps Conference (2015) brought together the theatre communities of Bath, Bristol, and Wiltshire to explore how the regions could collaborate better and address accessibility issues. The conference featured keynote speakers from organizations like Equity and Bristol Old Vic, and became a key moment in the push for better regional cooperation.
Theatre Bath Radio Show
In 2012, Theatre Bath expanded its reach by launching a weekly radio show on West Country Radio, offering local theatre news, event updates, and interviews with artists. This platform allowed Theatre Bath to engage a broader audience, keeping the community informed about upcoming productions and providing a voice for local talent.
Pandemic Response and Online Engagement
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theatre Bath quickly adapted to the changing landscape. In 2020, the organization became a vital resource hub, hosting webinars, providing online support, and sharing the latest government guidance. With over 300 attendees, the Theatre Bath Webinar featured cultural leaders discussing the impact of the pandemic and the way forward for the arts community.
The shift to online events didn’t stop with support and advice. Theatre Bath also organized virtual choir shows, which raised over £7,000 for charity, and theatrical webinars attended by over 100 local professionals. These efforts kept the arts community connected during a time of social distancing.
Funding and Community Impact
One of Theatre Bath’s most ambitious projects, the Theatre Bath Bus, launched in 2016, received local support. This mobile performance space brought theatre directly to underserved communities. The bus played an essential role in events such as the Bath Comedy Festival and Bath Festivals Children’s Literature Festival, and it was used by Zenith Youth Theatre for a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018.
By 2018, the Theatre Bath Bus had reached over 500 people through performances, school visits, and community outreach, making arts more accessible in Bath and beyond.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Theatre Bath’s influence extends beyond its events and projects. Through advocacy, workshops, and collaborations, Theatre Bath helped to shape the city’s cultural identity. The organization’s tireless efforts during the pandemic proved its resilience and its ongoing commitment to supporting the arts community.
Although Theatre Bath officially closed in 2018, it made a dramatic comeback during the pandemic in 2020 to continue supporting Bath’s cultural sector. Today, Theatre Bath remains a symbol of innovation, passion, and community spirit in the arts.
Theatre Bath: Key Achievements
- Empowered the local arts community: Organized over 30 events (including conferences, networking meetings, and workshops) that fostered collaboration and support for local artists and theatres.
- Led successful advocacy campaigns: Reversed the Bath Chronicle’s decision to cut theatre reviews, saving local arts coverage and protecting the industry.
- Brought arts to new audiences: The Theatre Bath Bus reached 500+ community members in its first year, making theatre accessible across Bath.
- Provided vital pandemic support: Hosted over 10 webinars and virtual events with 300+ attendees to guide the cultural sector through COVID-19 challenges.
