Seating’s Second Act
We are delighted to announce the details of a new partnership with Race Furniture, which will transform one community theatre’s seating.
As part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, Race Furniture, a leader in high-quality seating solutions has chosen Theatres Trust as its partner for Seating’s Second Act, a new initiative to upgrade the seating in a selected small-scale theatre.
Seating’s Second Act is a heartfelt gesture of gratitude from Race Furniture to the theatre sector, which has played a significant role in the company’s successful history. As the only organisation that supports all the UK’s theatres, Theatres Trust was a natural fit to partner on this special scheme. We will bring our extensive sector expertise to ensure the award goes to a theatre where it will have the greatest impact.
Seating’s Second Act offers the opportunity for one theatre to have its seating refurbished, an approach that prioritises sustainability, aligning with Race Furniture and Theatres Trust’s shared commitment to reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible practices within the theatre industry.
John Schofield, Managing Director of Race Furniture says "This partnership with Theatres Trust is our way of giving back to an industry that has been integral to Race Furniture’s success. We are excited to collaborate with Theatres Trust, leveraging their expertise and network to support a theatre that truly needs it. This initiative ensures that local theatres continue to inspire audiences with both comfort and style."
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust says, "We are thrilled to be collaborating on Seating's Second Act with Race Furniture, a company that shares Theatres Trust’s belief in the vital importance of theatres to their communities. An uncomfortable seat can ruin a good night out at the theatre, yet faced with tight budgets, many theatres are unable to invest in seating upgrades. This award will ensure that audiences in one deserving theatre will enjoy the benefits of refreshed seating.”
The award is open to any theatre in the UK with an auditorium seating capacity of 200 or fewer. The theatre can be either a for-profit or not-for-profit venue, but it must host at least 30 live performances annually. We encourage applications from any eligible theatre that can demonstrate how the venue supports its local community and the difference that refurbished seating would make.