The Artists Theatre School was founded in 1998 by Amanda Redman, MBE. It is based in West Ealing, and runs classes for students aged 18+. It is aimed at those who could not otherwise afford a three-year drama school training. Every January, the students begin rehearsing a show, directed by Amanda and performed in July.

In recent years, we have relied very heavily on fundraising events. We usually conduct three of these a year, and all this money funds our shows in terms of buying the rights, props, the use of the theatre, costumes, and paying some backstage staff.

Due to COVID-19, we have been unable to hold these fundraising events and are consequently incredibly short of money for the July showcase, which we are hoping can go ahead as normal. In addition, we started our 2020 rehearsals with 15 students. Due to changing circumstances with the effect of Covid, we have lost 8 of these students and had to change the final show. This has caused further major financial consequences, as our students' fees also help to fund basics such as rent, expenses and storage space. We receive no government help and are not funded by any external agencies. We operate solely on donations, term fees, and fundraising activities.

We are incredibly lucky that the government have allowed us to now continue our rehearsals as of Saturday 13th March. We are due to perform our final show at the Questors Theatre, Ealing at the end of July.

We appeal to everyone, whether you have benefitted from ATS or know somebody who has, or even if you just follow us on social media, if you could spare anything we would be hugely appreciative and would help us to put this year's show on as normal.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and for your support. It means everything to all of us involved with ATS. The show WILL go on.