Developing artistic ideas is not only challenging, but it is also expensive. At the Pleasance we believe it is important to give people affordable space and the freedom to take risks, both on and off stage. From this spirit of innovation, springs personal confidence and great careers are given a springboard from which they can flourish. Giving our audiences the widest possible diversity of performance from the farthest reaches of the cultural spectrum is also central to the Trust’s aim. This spirit has embodied the Pleasance since it opened in 1985, during which time we have become world-renowned for spotting great talent both on and off stage, building an environment that nurtures, encourages and develops the brightest new ideas, raw talent and skill. Providing these opportunities is why we exist. Our aim, at the Pleasance in Edinburgh, the Pleasance in London and all of our partnerships and throughout our Pleasance Futures support programmes is consistent: To create a collegiate, diverse and mutually supportive aspirational environment where; the financial risk is transparent and the artistic risk is under-pinned, supported and enabled by a knowledgeable and imaginative staff team, in the context of a cohort of Pleasance artists at very different stages of their careers, all of whom are encouraged to share their expertise and experiences with the newer participants. Those that have spent time at the Pleasance leave with a far broader perspective, vastly more knowledge, a greater confidence and a brighter sense of purpose. The Pleasance is a place for the experimental and the new. It is where performers, writers, directors, technicians, producers and the rest can take risks, develop ideas and feel fully supported. Not everything will triumph, but look carefully, because our history suggests a great many will.
