Our Strategy 2026-2031
Oxford Playhouse is a thriving charity, a creative hub and a community anchor.
We believe that brilliant theatre and creativity, accessible to all, can positively change lives.
Our vision:
An inspirational home for creativity, connection and joy
Our mission:
To offer world class theatre and creative learning opportunities that inspire and connect people from all backgrounds
We strive for bold programming, world-class productions and best practice in co-creation, access and inclusion.
We aim to be as sustainable, responsible and welcoming as possible. We nurture and support staff, artists, volunteers, visitors and participants.
We work collaboratively, and we are committed to local and national partnerships. We celebrate the power in people coming together to share spaces and experiences. Together
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Strategy 2026-2031 5
We will:
Re-establish Oxford Playhouse as a nationally renowned and versatile producer
Deliver a diverse, high-quality programme with underrepresented voices at its heart
Grow overall audiences by 20% by 2031
Prioritise growth of audiences who identify as Global Majority, working class and/or Deaf and disabled, to reflect Oxford’s population
Prioritise training and employment opportunities for regional artists
Forge ambitious national partnerships to bring innovative new work to Oxford
“Onyourimaginaryforceswork.”
William Shakespeare
Protect the heritage of our Grade II* listed building while radically improving its accessibility and environmental sustainability
Achieve step-free access throughout our building, upgraded rehearsal and performance facilities
Create spaces and systems that connect, empower and spark joy for all who use them
Launch capital fundraising and consult widely with communities to shape redevelopment plans
Develop front of house spaces that welcome, enable and inspire all
“Theaterteachesushowtobebetterpeople. Itistimetravelandteleportationandpure,pureheart.”
Tony Kushner, playwright
We will:
Champion creativity in Oxfordshire’s state schools and ensure every schoolchild has access to live theatre
Grow the ambition of our flagship programmes: Open House for Schools, Primary Playmaker, Playhouse Plays Out
Create affordable, impactful opportunities that enable people of all backgrounds to choose a career in the arts
Develop our expertise and ambition in co-creation: collaborating across communities and generations, and providing a platform for Oxfordshire’s voices and ideas
Strengthen partnerships with University of Oxford and further academic, health and charitable bodies, to evaluate and evidence the social impact of the arts
“Youcan’tuseupcreativity. Themoreyouuse,themoreyouhave.”
Maya Angelou, author
Build resilience through diverse new income streams, fundraising revenue and entrepreneurial ventures
Create a People Plan prioritising inclusivity, wellbeing, development, and joy
Interrogate working practices to develop efficiencies and innovations across all operations and processes
Embed best practice in health and safety, risk assessment and safeguarding
Develop robust evaluation and reporting systems, and establish research collaborations, to measure progress and impact
“Creativitytakescourage.”
Henri Matisse, artist
We will:
Share and celebrate the positive impact of our work with audiences, partners, and stakeholders
Raise the local and national profile of Oxford Playhouse
Embed evaluation and data storytelling into strategy and advocacy
Work through national and regional partnerships to build a compelling case for the arts
Ensure all staff contribute to capturing and communicating the impact of theatre and creative learning
“Artwashesawayfromthesoul thedustofeverydaylife.”
Pablo Picasso, artist
We will be:
A nationally respected producer of bold, high-quality and inclusive theatre
Operating a significantly more accessible and sustainable building
Offering access to every Oxfordshire state school student to engage with the theatre
A world-class training and learning hub for the next generation of theatre makers
Embodying a culture of care, collaboration and ambition across all we do
Arundhati Roy, novelist
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