Since Mayflower launched their new transport subsidy scheme in partnership with Xelabus in January, over 1,000 students have been able to experience live theatre, many for the first time.
The subsidy scheme helps to fulfil Mayflower’s aim that every person has the right to attend live theatre and experience the joy and opportunity this can bring.
The Transport Subsidy Scheme supports schools as well as community groups funding their transport to both Mayflower venues.
In 2023, UK Theatre’s Theatre for Every Child campaign was introduced to amplify national voice about the importance of theatre visits for schools and the subsidy scheme is just one way in which Mayflower supports this national campaign.
Mayflower recognises that for many schools lack of finances acts as a barrier to children attending live theatre and already have schemes in place to help the most disadvantaged schools. Nationwide, whilst schools may be able to afford the discounted ticket prices, they cannot afford the transportation costs to get to the venues. These costs are usually redirected to parents, and result in many disadvantaged children not being able to participate, which results in schools deciding not to commit.
The Transport Subsidy Scheme was created to alleviate some of the financial pressures that schools and community groups face to enable more people to attend theatre and experience live arts. The subsidy covers 100% of the transport costs. It is awarded on an application basis to schools that meet the following criteria:
- A state-funded primary, secondary school, or further education college.
- Above 15% Free School Meal percentage of a given year or located in a designated Levelling Up for Culture Place.
- Can demonstrate how the theatre trip will benefit their school.
- Are applying for a show that is not already discounted lower than the school rate.
A school can be funded a maximum of twice per academic year. Schools that are interested in applying should email participation@mayflower.org.uk.
Mayflower recognises that many community groups also face similar barriers to accessing live theatre and also offers the Transport Subsidy Scheme to community groups that they already engage with through their participation department. This falls under one of Mayflower’s guiding principles to create an inspired, valued and connected community.
Since launching the Transport Subsidy Scheme at the beginning of this year, Mayflower has had 1,042 young people from 19 different schools attend, of which 58% were first time theatre goers.
“Reaching over 1,000 students in just the first year of our Transport Subsidy Scheme is a milestone we are immensely proud of,” says Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower. “Our mission is to ensure that as many people in our community as possible can enjoy the transformative power of live theatre, and this partnership with Xelabus helps us remove one of the biggest barriers – the cost of travel.
“As a charity, it is vital for us to make theatre accessible to all, and this scheme is already making a tangible difference.”
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton