OUR MOTTO.
We created UpStage TC with one very clear goal in mind: bringing high quality, affordable, accessible and inclusive theatre experiences to all!
It can be expensive going to the theatre, or being part of a show. Our Directors believe it is our duty to keep membership and ticket prices as low as possible. Nobody should be forced out because they can't afford to join in!
For these reasons, our fundraising efforts are vital to the survival of UpStage. Visit our Support Us page to learn more about how you can help us continue offering fun for the whole family at our shows and events.
OUR HISTORY.
In Summer 2016, a representative from The Lopping Hall in Loughton approached us and asked if we would produce a Pantomime that year with them. Never to turn down a challenge, our directors set to work and wowed audiences with a production of Sleeping Beauty! Back then, we were a part of The Red Balloon Foundation's (1158982) Creative Arts branch. Our first year was a resounding success, prompting us to add more performances and a Junior Chorus for our second season; Cinderella.
Each year we grew in numbers, both in our cast and audiences. Our third show, Dick Whittington, was another sold-out year, so we set our sights even higher for year 4, bringing Jack and the Beanstalk to life with a magnificent growing beanstalk and terrifying Giant puppet.
In Spring 2020, just a few days before our newest event, news of the Covid-19 pandemic hit it's peak, and we were forced to cancel all our future shows and 5th Birthday events. For a while we didn't know whether The Red Balloon Foundation (RBF) would survive, or what that would mean for UpStage. Thankfully RBF continues to do great work having made it through the pandemic. However they could not sustain their Creative Arts department as well.
Not wanting to let UpStage go, our directors gratefully accepted the support RBF offered to help us step away from the charity, and thus UpStage Theatre Company Ltd was born!
Since then we've performed Treasure Island, Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast and are so excited to bring Sleeping Beauty to the stage in January 2025!!
ABOUT UPSTAGE
THEATRE COMPANY
OUR TEAM.
UpStage TC is run entirely by volunteers, and we're always looking for more help. If you'd like to know more about joining our team, read about our Backstage Crew or email Jessie via our
Contact Us page with your questions or ideas!
POSITIONS WE'RE
LOOKING TO FILL:
MD, Chaperone, Wardrobe Assistant, Technical Assistant,
Set/Prop Builders, Stage Manager
Jessie Ford
Chair, Producer & Musical Director
Michelle Shortland
Vice Chair
Alex Collins
Director & Co-Choreographer
Josh Woods
Co-Choreographer
Nick Ford
Set/Prop Designer
Linda Brede
Wardrobe Assistant
Katherine Ford
Head of Wardrobe & Treasurer
Nikki Lund
Prop Master
Daniel Anthony
Technical Designer
Ian Brede
Technical Advisor
Lynda Gray
Secretary
Beth Ranger
Fundraising