Written by Sarah Clough, Head of Participation at Cast
Commissioned by Cast, this film highlights the value of Creative Health through Performing Arts and Cast’s Community work by demonstrating the impact of that work. In short, it’s more advocacy in support of Creative Health!
The film showcases projects such as Doncaster’s People Theatre, The Community Board for Doncaster People’s Theatre and the Community Ambassadors programme.
Film credit: Rajnish Madaan at Madaan Media
Doncaster People’s Theatre Overview
Doncaster People’s Theatre (DPT) was launched as a pilot programme in 2024 and brings together alumni from previous projects and new community members, creating an intergenerational company where participants range in age from 6 to 84. Rooted in values of openness, generosity, and bravery, the theatre welcomes 30–40 attendees, fostering creativity and collaboration through drama, movement, music, and poetry.
Having the opportunity to perform can be a transformational experience for members as it builds confidence, self-esteem, friendships. It is an opportunity for members to shine together, and to share their ideas and creativity with others. An important element of Cast community productions is the co-creation between artists and the Doncaster People’s Theatre Participants, enabling ownership and building creative skills.
This vibrant and inclusive community-led theatre initiative has evolved from various successful projects at Cast, including Public Acts and Sinfonia. Many participants have been formed following large-scale productions, supported by the National Theatre’s Public Acts programme, which brought together diverse local performers in productions such as The Magic of Wild Heather (2021), The Doncastrian Chalk Circle (2022), The Odyssey (2023). Most recently DPT performed, Sinfonia (2024) in partnership with The Performance Ensemble.
Community Board
The Community Board for Doncaster People’s Theatre was established to oversee the delivery of its projects, ensuring they remain truly community-led and focused. Made up of local community members, the board plays a vital role in shaping the theatre’s direction, making sure that the voices and lived experiences of participants are at the heart of every production. By guiding decision-making and fostering inclusivity, the board helps to create meaningful, relevant, and accessible theatre opportunities.
Community Ambassadors
Cast’s Community Ambassadors are people with lived experience and relationships with specific underrepresented communities in Doncaster. For more information why not check out the Ambassadors Case Study.
