London Small Theatres Grants Scheme

The London Small Theatres Grants Scheme is a capital fund that awards up to £5,000 to small theatres in London which are undertaking building projects.

The scheme was set up following the London Assembly investigation led by Tom Copley AM into the challenges facing the capital’s small theatres and its July 2013 report Centre Stage: Supporting small theatres in the capital.

In response to the coronavirus crisis, we have repurposed this scheme support theatres to cover the additional costs of reopening after several months’ closure, including making adaptations for increased hygiene and social distancing measures. Please see Theatre Reopening Fund for further details.

See how SPID Theatre has benefited from the London Theatres Small Grants Scheme.

With thanks

The Mackintosh Foundation and Fawn James at Soho Estates support our London Small Theatres Grants Scheme. 

Who can apply

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Operate a theatre in London that is under 300-seats in Zones 1 and 2 and under 500-seats in outer London
• Own or lease the building or be able to otherwise demonstrate at least 5 years of secured future theatre use.
• Demonstrate that they run a regular theatre programme of professional, community and/or amateur work presenting no less than 30 performances a year
• Demonstrate how the public benefit of the works will be protected or have a bona fide not-for-profit/charitable organisational structure.

Contact advice@theatrestrust.org.uk for more information and to discuss your project before applying.

Round 7 of the London scheme closed to applications on 3 February 2020. Applicants will be notified of their outcome in March.