STUDIO Theatre in Salisbury says it has been “adversely affected” by the pandemic and it needs more support to keep it “financially viable” until it can reopen.

Like many other theatres, the Ashley Road site had to close to audiences due to Covid-19.

Jackie Pilkington, of Studio Theatre, said: “Like every theatre in the country, Studio has been adversely affected by the pandemic. With no indication of when theatres will be able to open, entertain audiences and start generating income, The future is uncertain - particularly in a small theatre like Studio which has under 100 seats.”

Studio Theatre has been working towards completing its extension project, which will provide essential dressing rooms and rehearsal space for the youth theatre. The building of the new extension was completed in 2018. More than £220,000 was raised for the project with more needed for fitting out.

Jackie added: “Our hard-worked-for extension is not complete and needs to be fitted out, and there are many jobs that need to be finished by the builders. However, we have been extremely fortunate in receiving three grants; the first for £10,000 from the Government’s Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, to provide for business costs during the pandemic and another £10,000 which Elizabeth Batten, an avid Studio supporter, left as a bequest in her will. This has paid for a mezzanine level for additional wardrobe storage.”

Salisbury Area Board gave a grant of £4,384.80 for fencing and hedging around the property.

“We cannot be complacent, however, as water, electricity, gas, insurance and maintenance costs still have to be paid, whether audience support is there or not,” added Jackie. “We would welcome any financial aid to keep us financially viable until we can again open our doors.”

Anyone able to help can contact Jackie by email - jackie@pilk.co.uk.

Studio’s Youth Theatre has remained active via Zoom and risk assessments have been done to allow small groups to meet.

As an experiment, a recording studio has also been set up in the auditorium for members and a ghost story will be available to view on YouTube in December.