Horsecross Arts is looking for local drama lovers to play their part in preserving and sharing the history of Perth Theatre.
Volunteers aged 16 plus are being invited to join the Perth Theatre Memory Collective as part of the project to restore and redevelop Perth’s 115 year-old venue.
Head of creative learning at Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, Noëlle Cobden said:
“The transformation of Perth Theatre will retain the historic character of the theatre whilst creating new spaces and installing the latest technical facilities. The Perth Theatre Memory Collective will help us collect past community recollections for the benefit of future audiences, building on the extensive archives already held in AK Bell Library.
“Anyone can join the Memory Collective; all they need is an interest in the theatre and a curious mind! From people who have their own memories of theatre productions and special moments to share to those who may be studying history, possibly looking for a dissertation or project subject, we are open to all levels of expertise and experience. As well as making a valuable contribution to the history of Perth Theatre, the Memory Collective is a great way for a group of people with a common interest to get together and make new friends. ”
Held in the Perth & Kinross Council Archive at the A K Bell Library, the Perth Theatre archive dates back to 1898 and includes scrapbooks, promotional material, production records, administrative documents and photographs. The Theatre collection catalogue (Ref No MS8) is available online at www.pkc.gov.uk/archives.
Working from now until Perth Theatre reopens in 2017, the Memory Collective will
explore the theatre archives and record oral history from community members presenting their findings in various forms. They will be supported with training in all aspects of the work by a range of heritage professionals including staff from Perth Museum and Art Gallery, Perth and Kinross Archives and Local and Family History Department, AK Bell Library.
Members of the group will participate in key Horsecross Arts activities including Perth Concert Hall’s 10th anniversary celebrations in September.
Horsecross Arts is holding a drop-in information evening for potential volunteers in Perth Concert Hall’s Norie-Miller Studio on Thursday 20 August at 6.30pm.
No need to book. For further information email project leader kirstyduncan@horsecross.co.uk or call Creative Learning at Horsecross on 01738 477729.