Help the Shows To Go On!

Shaftesbury Arts Centre has been at the heart of the North Dorset community for over 50 years, providing a place of entertainment for the region and a resource for the community to develop, pursue and promote their artistic and cultural interests. The Centre hosts a varied and lively year-round programme of theatre and live performances, drama for all ages and abilities, films, art, photography, craft exhibitions and other group activities.

SAC is a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, run wholly by volunteers drawn from its membership. It receives very little public subsidy so we rely on the generosity of our patrons, members and supporters to help keep the centre running.

If you enjoy visiting the Centre and would like to support our continued existence then there are a number of ways in which you can do this:

Current Projects That Need Your Financial Support

SAC celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007 by starting a long planned project to expand its facilities by purchasing the building next door – number eleven. At a total cost of nearly £500,000 the project provides a retail unit, three additional meeting and function rooms, 5 new toilet facilities, a lift for the disabled and a refurbished box office.

Nearly 80% of the funding required has been secured and now we need just £110,000 to completely pay for the completed project.

This autumn we replaced our main heating system with new boilers, radiators, pipes and controls because the old system was beyond further servicing. The total cost of this project was nearly £19000. We secured a £6300 interest-free loan from the Carbon Trust and the remainder of the cost came from our maintenance reserve – this reserve now needs to be built up again for future maintenance requirements.

Projects that can not be started until we have more funds are the expansion and upgrading of the kitchen facilities to make life easier for our catering volunteers who have an increasing demand for their services, and the installation of bar facilities for the Rutter Room that will make its use more flexible.

If you feel you can help us with a donation please pick up a donation form in the foyer, pass a payment to the Box Office or send a cheque to The Treasurer. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

Other ways in which you can support our efforts

Becoming a Member –

From just £22.00 per annum (junior £5.50 per annum) you can enjoy reduced ticket prices for most performances, participation in the Centre’s group activities, receive mailings of the Centres Programme and Newsletter and have voting rights at the AGM. (Details & Application Form within the programme of events)

Seat Sponsorship -

Sponsor one of the 160 seats in the theatre and you will be playing an important supporting role in our fundraising efforts. For a single donation of £150 we will fit a stylish plaque to the seat of your choice and it will remain there for 10 years with the dedication of your choice. (Pick up a leaflet in the foyer for full details). The first 10 have been sold so only 150 are now available for support.

Legacies –

Leaving a gift to the SAC in your will is a wonderful way of ensuring your support for the Centre will be remembered. For details contact Denis Scott – 07879 883987 or email:

We hope you enjoy our shows and activities and look forward to your future support