Herts Inclusive Theatre is joining Communities 1st, helping to protect and build on 25 years of inclusive theatre and creative work across Hertfordshire.
HIT describes itself as “a stage for everyone”. For its participants that has meant much more than performing: it has meant friendship, confidence, creativity, a safe place to be themselves and somewhere they feel they belong.
Communities 1st shares that commitment to creating communities where people can participate, connect and make the most of their lives. HIT will join an organisation that already includes Trestle Theatre and Para Dance UK, alongside a wide range of community, wellbeing, volunteering and skills services.
The immediate priority is to work towards restarting HIT’s activities and support the participants, families, staff, freelancers and volunteers who have been waiting through an uncertain period.
Over the coming months we will also look at how HIT’s 25 years of inclusive practice can reach more people and strengthen Communities 1st’s wider work across Hertfordshire.
Kat Rogers, Chair of Herts Inclusive Theatre, said:
“After an uncertain few months, this is a really positive new chapter for HIT. Our priority throughout has been protecting the work that means so much to our participants and families, while giving HIT the strongest possible foundation for the future.
“We’re looking forward to working with Communities 1st, getting our activities running again and building on everything HIT has achieved over the last 25 years.”
Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st, said:
“What struck me most about HIT is the difference it makes to people’s lives. It gives people somewhere to belong, to build confidence, make friends and express themselves, and that sits very naturally with what Communities 1st is here to do.
“HIT also brings 25 years of experience in inclusive creative practice. We want to protect what makes HIT special, get the work moving again, and then look at how that experience can reach more people and strengthen our wider work across Hertfordshire.”
HIT’s next chapter is beginning, with the same belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to create, take part and belong.