What we do
We develop bold, compelling and innovative theatre for local, national and global audiences.
We provide access to play-scripts and literary skills through our library and writers hub.
We nurture talent at our creative development studios through inspirational youth and community projects; and we support early to mid-career theatre artists across the UK.
We cultivate space to read, write, and rejoice in theatre.
About
Powerhouse is a Herefordshire-based theatre organisation that runs a specialist drama library and skills development centre.
We are a creative incubator committed to enriching the cultural landscape of rural counties through exceptional live performance, innovative digital drama, and transformative community initiatives.
We believe that everyone should have access to inspiring theatre experiences and pathways for creative growth, regardless of background or geography.
Our extensive script library is a vital resource for both the community and regional theatre sector.
The collection is complemented by skills programmes and artist development schemes, which provide emerging and established theatre-makers with the support and resources they need to develop their craft and reach their full potential.
Our productions, whether live or digital, showcase the best in new writing, bold storytelling, and innovative drama.
Powerhouse is currently embarking on an exciting £300,000 capital redevelopment project. This transformative next chapter will create a state-of-the-art creative hub in the centre of Hereford, featuring a new home for our play library, an innovation studio, performance space, and a range of facilities to support live and digital theatre.
As we transition into our new home, we will extend our impact by engaging new audiences, building new connections, and strengthening our role as a cultural catalyst in rural counties and beyond.
Powerhouse is led by Artistic Director Tim Evans. Read more about Tim and the history of the company here.
Vision
A creative and equitable UK where rural counties have access to world-class cultural resources, inspirational theatre, and space to nurture imagination.
Mission
To Empower Creative Communities
To Widen Access to Theatre Literature and New Writing Programmes
To Cultivate Ambition
To Bang the Drum for Artistic Excellence
And to Tell Extraordinary Stories
Our Values are…
Passion
We are driven by a passionate belief in the transformative power of theatre.
It fuels our commitment to making work that sparks ideas, fosters empathy, and inspires change. We champion the art form as an essential part of any thriving community and strive to share our passion with audiences near and far.
Empowerment
We are dedicated to empowering artists at every stage of their creative journey.
We provide supportive environments where talent can flourish, offering the space, resources and opportunities artists need to develop. We use the power of storytelling to amplify unheard voices and celebrate new perspectives.
Connection
We actively seek to build connections – between artists and audiences, between our building and our community, and between our rural roots and the wider world.
We know that theatre can bring people together and create a sense of belonging. We embrace the exchange of ideas and collaboration. We are committed to creating inclusive environments where all feel welcome, and we work to remove barriers to access.
Resilience
We believe in resilience rooted in well-being.
The foundation of Powerhouse stems from a deeply personal understanding of the need for people to maintain a sustainable and healthy life through and within the arts. We recognise that the resilience of an organisation starts with its people, and prioritise the well-being of our team and community; fostering a culture of care, support and balance that allows us to thrive.
We believe in sustainable practices to ensure a positive future for our company, community and environment; and we are committed to building a strong organisation that is innovative, compassionate and agile.
Joy
We embrace theatre as a powerful tool to bring joy, laughter, and light into people's lives.
Even as we tackle difficult challenges and face the realities of the world, we celebrate the things that make life worth living -- beauty, humour, moments of connection. We infuse our work with a sense of play, inviting our audiences to experience the pure delight of performance.