Last week, we shared a blog about the building we had hoped to move into. While it wasn’t the news we wanted to be sharing, the response has been amazing. We’ve been overwhelmed by messages of support, from Brighton and from much further afield.
The most common question we were asked was: “How can we help?” So we’ve put together this list.
Here are nine ways you can support AndAlso to open an improv theatre.
1. Talk about us, and make an introduction
Brighton is not that big, really, and our mantra at the moment is “someone will know someone who will know the right person.” So if you enjoy doing improv with us, tell people about it. Let them know how it works and what we’re trying to build. You never know where a conversation might go, and if there is someone you think we should talk to, introduce them to us.
2. Help us fill our classes
If every student came to one show a month and brought a friend, we’d fill a weekly show. But we want to widen the circle. Sending someone to a taster class, in Brighton or online, helps. The more we are, the harder we are to ignore.
3. Introduce us to a sponsor or angel
We are a stable, growing company with multiple income streams and an AI-proof product, but opening a building is still a big step. So we’re keen to build relationships with Brighton-based sponsors or angels who would be able to support us over the longer term.
4. Recommend us for applied improv work
Applied improv helps make the books balance. This is improv used in professional settings. It can teach communication, teamwork, and calm under pressure. If you know an HR manager, team leader, or conference organiser looking for something different, introduce them to Heather, and we’ll take it from there.
5. Tell us about unused or underused spaces
Brighton isn’t huge, so there’s a chance someone in our community already knows about (or walks past) a space that would work. It could be a pub with an extra room, a building in transition, or a community space unused in the evenings. If something comes to mind, let us know via this simple form.
6. Share our venue page with the right people
To make it easy to explain what we’re looking for, we’ve created a venue page on our website. It sets out who we are, what we need, and why we’re good people to work with. If you know a landlord, venue manager, councillor, or other local decision-maker, why not send them this page? Then give them a call to see what they think.
7. Share professional expertise
We’ve been doing this a long time, but we don’t pretend to know everything. If you have relevant experience, from contract negotiation to just being a friendly face, you can let us know via our fundraising and support form above.
8. Be patient and supportive
We don’t know what the next step will be, and we are sure there will be a few more bumps along the way. So knowing that we have a community of people excited by what we are doing is a huge help. Stay with us, and we promise the next stage is coming very soon.