The Theatres Trust have invited Helen Grassly, the Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF) Project Director for many of the practice’s theatre projects, to address their 2024 conference. Helen will be participating in the ever-popular Capital Lightning Round, which allows delegates to delve into recent and current theatre capital projects which aim to drive their theatres beyond mere resilience towards positive transformation.
The Theatres Trust is the national advice and advocacy body for the UK’s theatres, supporting all forms of theatres, whether old or new, commercial, subsidised or community-run. They protect theatres and champion the future of live performance by advising and supporting the nation’s theatres to develop best practice in design and management following the four principles of resilience, environmental sustainability, inclusivity and placemaking. The theme of this year’s conference is “Making Theatres Thrive”. Their stated aims for the event are:
“People, places and purpose are at the heart of our theatres. This year’s conference looks at how they are enablers in Making Theatres Thrive.
As we emerge post-pandemic into new social, economic, environmental contexts and reimagined places, we need to re-examine how theatres can reinforce their role in placemaking, contributing to vibrant and liveable communities and creating a resilient future for all. We will look at cultural placemaking with senior local government officials who develop the big picture and theatres will share how they are playing a more central civic as well as cultural role.
The conference recognises the dynamics and nuances at play in the shifting contexts in which theatres operate. It will showcase alternative and flexible business and operating models and what this might practically mean for resilience for theatres large and small.”
Helen will be presenting the designs for the restoration and remodelling of the Scala Theatre, a former 1920s cinema, and the connected Grade II listed Corn Exchange in Worcester, to form a new multi-use Arts Centre for the City. The venue’s aim is to bring people together and make the city a more creative and inspiring place to live. Scala will host live events alongside independent film, visual arts, and a wide range of participation-based creative activities, as well as a programme of educational outreach and talent development. Helen will discuss how BFF worked with the client, Worcester City Council, and a creative consortium, made up of a number of local arts organisations, to develop the plans.
Helen Grassly is a Director of Burrell Foley Fischer. Her expertise is in delivering the highest quality projects for the arts sector, as well as a specialism in the creative refurbishment of existing buildings. She has a passion for the detailed making of buildings, particularly in sensitive historic contexts. Helen was the director responsible for BFF’s remodelling of the Grade II* Hall for Cornwall, including a new 1,200-seat auditorium. She is currently designing a new theatre for Andover and the remodelling of Malvern Theatres.