MakeBelieve Arts is a Theatre and Education Company offering innovative, high quality theatre and education programmes to develop the creative potential of children aged 2 -15.
We work with children, their teachers and their families, in schools and a variety of settings outside the classroom using our knowledge of how children learn to make our programmes exciting, relevant and effective. All our programmes are underpinned by a belief in the creative potential of all children, and a desire to nurture that creativity regardless of the economic circumstances of a child and their family.
MakeBelieve Arts was founded by Trisha Lee (Artistic Director) in February 2002 to provide creative programmes and theatre work in schools. In March 2004 MBA was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee, and in March 2006, the organization became a Registered Charity.
Based in Deptford, we have established ourselves as a high quality provider of services in Lewisham and our neighbouring boroughs. We have also worked in Greenwich, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Islington, Hillingdon and Brent. MBA always looks to expand our work across London, throughout the UK and beyond.
As a Social Enterprise we generate income from a variety of sources. We charge for our services but we strive to make our work affordable to all by charging modest fees to schools and/or individuals and supporting the true costs of our work through fundraising for grants and sponsorship. Any profits made are re-invested back into the business to support the work we do.
Trisha Lee is a Cabinet Office appointed Social Enterprise Ambassador, to promote the growth of social enterprises nationally and of course is particularly interested in how the Arts can flourish as social enterprises.
MakeBelieve Artsis governed by a Board of Directors who are also Trustees of the Charity. There are currently eight Board members, each chosen because of their specialist knowledge. Alongside Trisha Lee, MBA also employs a full-time Company Administrator and Creative Projects Coordinator. Our Creative Associates are a pool of freelance artists and workshop leaders who deliver the artistic programme.
MakeBelieve Arts works within the PQASSO quality assurance system and were awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom "Quality Badge" in July 2009. We are currently working towards being a Restorative Justice company.
Registered Company Number: 5087027
Charity Number: 1113312