Since its formation in 1957, the Arts Centre has been entertaining the people of Shaftesbury and the surrounding areas and has been run, almost entirely, by volunteers.
The Centre survived a serious fire in the 1960s and the pandemic in 2020,
but since then, the programme has expanded beyond all recognition. It is rapidly becoming a big business, still run mainly by volunteers.
In addition to our Drama Group’s plays, pantomimes and musicals, the Arts Centre offers the public a year-round programme of concerts and films for all tastes and ages.
• We have become a major venue for the Shaftesbury Fringe
• We show live recordings of London plays, musicals and concerts, and soon will resurrect live streaming of Ballet from Covent Garden.
• We also offer an expanding programme of Classical music, together with Baroque and Youth Festivals.
Beyond the stage, the building is used, almost to capacity, with classes from Dance to Keep Fit to Submission Grappling, Folk music to Rock Choir, Reading to Scribblers Writing and Art, Pilates, Yoga, etc. and not forgetting our own three Youth Theatre groups and holiday courses for children.
Running a business of this size is no mean feat, particularly when you consider that almost the entire workforce is still volunteer-led, and some of the originals are still with us and going strong. However, it is time to look to the future and to fill the extra posts that the expanding programme has opened along the way.
We are looking for new volunteers.
Do you have a bit of spare time?
Do you have a special skill that could be useful to us?
Would you like to join this active, friendly, welcoming band of volunteers?
We would love to have you.
Please reply to volunteering@shaftesburyartscentre.org, and we will get in touch.
