Camphill Milton Keynes
The steps in the Chrysalis Theatre auditorium make access difficult for wheelchair users and visually impaired people
A community theatre set up for adults with learning disabilities and autism says it is at risk of excluding patrons if it cannot upgrade its facilities to meet the access needs of older residents.
The Chrysalis Theatre in Milton Keynes is run by the charity Camphill, which has provided homes, work and community activities for its residents since 1981.
But the space is no longer suited to the physical disabilities which its residents now face as they age, including wheelchair access.
Lucy Davies, development manager at Camphill, said the community “lives, works, plays and celebrates together”.
She added: “Residents get involved in creative workshops during the day and live together on site.
“Living at Camphill is about having a real purpose in life and meaningful activity.”
Many of the 80 residents have lived there for more than 40 years.
Camphill Milton Keynes
The Chrysalis Theatre in Milton Keynes is run by the charity, Camphill
The Chrysalis Theatre opened 20 years ago and welcomes hundreds of people with learning disabilities each year to its concerts, workshops, and theatre shows.
It runs daily theatre workshops, and on Sundays two church groups hire the building, which covers the running costs.
But the counters in the foyer are at standing height and the stage is accessed by steps, so the charity wants to raise enough funds to provide a more accessible theatre.
It launched a Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to pay for the work, and to install cameras so that some productions can be live-streamed to make it more inclusive.
Camphill Milton Keynes
Residents of Camphill enjoy performing for audiences in the theatre
Ms Davies added: “There is now better medical care and a better awareness of how to support people with disabilities so lifespans are being extended.
“And as people age, they get age-related illnesses such as dementia, sight loss and a loss of mobility. This affects everybody.”
The charity recently appointed a new theatre manager, Chris Bradley, who has been inspired by how the residents value the space.
“My long-term vision is to bring more inclusive shows to the theatre, .. programming that reflects our charity’s values and creates more opportunities for our residents,” Mr Bradley said.