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 theatre.
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.
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 writing programmes. To cultivate ambition. To bang the drum for artistic excellence, and to tell extraordinary stories.
What we do
We make bold, compelling and innovative productions for local, national and global audiences.
We ensure 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.
Powerhouse is led by Artistic Director Tim Evans. Read more about Tim and the history of the company here.
Our Values
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 meet challenges with creativity, determination, and a spirit of innovation.
We are committed to building an organisation that is strong, adaptable and agile. We believe in the importance of sustainable practices to ensure a vibrant and positive future. We recognise that true resilience starts from within, and prioritise the well-being of our team and community, fostering a culture of care, support and balance that allows us to thrive.
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 -- the beauty, the humour, the moments of connection. We infuse our work with a sense of play, inviting our audiences to experience the pure delight of performance.