A document entitled “The Arts and Cultural Business Update” is being brought before the Audit and Resource Committee on 24th September, in alignment with Eastleigh Borough Council
If this is agreed on, CPYT and many other local groups will not be able to perform at the Point-and instead will be facing huge financial losses when performing at the Berry. 

At the Berry Theatre, we would lose almost 30% of our audiences, as we rely heavily on the marketing and name of the Point Theatre to sell tickets to the general public. We are already working at a financial loss, and a smaller audience size with less publicity would cause this to become unsustainable for the company. 

The Berry Theatre could only hold a cast of 30, a huge loss from the cast size of 100 that we are currently averaging. By cutting down this heavily on size, so many local teens and children are missing out on vital opportunities and life skills that are gained through these experiences.

I, personally, have found a home at CPYT, it is a friendly, encouraging, welcoming environment that teaches vital skills alongside songs and dances. Every show that we do allows more and more individuals to become part of this group, which is truly more like a family. By moving us from the home we have always had, the limits and obstacles we face are far greater, and far fewer kids will be able to experience the true joy that performing brings. 

If this proposal goes ahead, CPYT may be forced to stop their 2 large shows a year-something that began with the company 32 years ago. Countless other youth groups, community hirers and local users will be forced to cut down on business, or lose their use entirely  

Sign this petition to oppose The Arts and Cultural Business Update, and allow local community groups to hire The Point Theatre and continue to thrive.