The stage is set for a curtain raiser
Gaiety plans for the future
Theatre chiefs have relaid their stage as part of a positive look to the post-pandemic future.
Bosses at the Gaiety in Ayr lifted the historic boards to put down a replacement this week.
The painstaking process involved the removal of more than 3,120 screws.
And since it was last replaced five years ago, the well trodden stage has had some 15 layers of paint.
But with the Gaiety busy planning for their eventual comeback, they decided to take the chance for an overhaul.
The theatre’s technical team, headed up by Fraser Emslie, have completed the task.
Along with other vital maintenance work, Gaiety bosses have spent more than £10,000 keeping the building in shape for its comeback.
Vital funding received from Creative Scotland has helped make the work possible.
Theatre CEO, Jeremy Wyatt, told the Post: “We’ve used this time to invest in our building; spending time, effort and money to ensure our equipment and stage remains at a high specification, ensuring we’re poised, ready for our re-opening.”
The theatre is hot off the heels of a successful online panto, which drew thousands of viewers over Christmas.
Among their other behind the scenes projects during lockdown is the launch of a ‘New Scottish Companies’ programme.
The Artist Development project will see the Gaiety offer grants of £1000 to emerging talent.
Led by the Gaiety’s Creative Engagement Directors, Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse, the scheme aims to “nurture new voices and diversify the talent pool that we work with.”
Ayrshire-based Poetic Justice Productions CIC, which aims to increase access to the Arts for children and adults, is among those taking part in the scheme.
Jack said: “We are delighted to welcome the New Scottish Companies to The Gaiety.
“We are thrilled with the exciting mix of disciplines, perspectives, forms and experiences that make up the programme.”
The six-month link-up with the Gaiety will include eight masterclasses with experts in producing, PR/marketing, access, funding, international touring and more.
Companies will then receive an opportunity to present their work and pitch a show to an invited audience of industry professionals including funders, artistic directors, programmers, and producers.