The Guild of Players, the Scottish charity which owns and manages the Theatre Royal Dumfries, now seeks support from the local community and beyond, to ensure continuance of the full programme of entertainment, workshops and participation.
A ‘Keep Theatre Live’ campaign is being launched to raise £30,000 through crowdfunding, to avoid reducing the programme this year at Scotland’s oldest working theatre. Grant funding is also being sought, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Rising costs, such as national insurance, energy bills and materials, have added to financial pressures.
The charity is fortunate to have a dedicated team of Guild of Players members who already help to reduce running costs by regularly giving both time and skills to operate the theatre alongside a small staff team. Generous support from The Holywood Trust for our youth programme and the William Grant Foundation for general running costs of the theatre are much appreciated.
Members of the Guild of Players are planning fundraising events, and members are putting on shows to benefit the theatre.
With audiences nudging 20,000 for 143 public performances in 2024/25, and 380 workshops attracting a further 4,800 participants, the theatre has been busy almost every night of the week. The theatre plays a role in the night-time economy in Dumfries town centre, and is one of the town’s visitor attractions, celebrating a 233-year history.
Theatre Director Mark Alexander said “We had disappointing news that we were not awarded Creative Scotland Multi Year Funding in February 2025, but we are determined to work through the challenge, as we did during COVID”
There are many ways to support the Guild of Players and the activities at the Theatre Royal Dumfries including:
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Buying tickets to see a show at the theatre
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Making a one-off or regular donation – Guild of Players Friends of the Theatre
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Becoming a corporate sponsor by entering our annual pantomime main sponsorship draw
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Coming along and volunteering at the theatre
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Giving us a shout out on our social media channels
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Sharing information about What’s on at the theatre in your local community
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Booking a Theatre Heritage Tour with our volunteers and learn more about the fascinating history of Scotland’s oldest working theatre
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Taking an advert in our pantomime programme
Find out more about how you can support the Guild of Players charity at:
https://www.theatreroyaldumfries.co.uk/support-us
