Passion Play Directors Development Programme

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Actors portraying Jesus and two others are hung on a cross. Photo set against the West Pier on Brighton seafront during a Passion Play that took place at Easter in 2011

Applications are now open for a £2,000 grants supporting the development of outdoor community theatre and the new generation of creative directors. Open to directors working in the UK. Deadline: 30 November 2026.

 

Grant Details

 

To apply, please contact admin@passiontrust.org  for an application form or download here.

 

The Passion Trust has a new funding opportunity for directors of Passion Plays. With their roots in the earliest dramatic traditions in the UK, Passion Plays have had a resurgence on the heels of the Mystery Play revival in York and Chester. The Trust aims to help the development of outdoor community theatre and encourage the new generation of creative directors. Grants of £2,000 and free mentoring from experienced directors are available to professional and early career directors.

 

About the Passion Trust

 

The Passion Trust is the only charity in the UK that brings together Passion Play communities to be inspired and equipped to bring the Easter story to life in local communities in the best possible way.  Our key focus is to transform the way Easter is experienced through embodied experiences, aiming ultimately to bring the story to life in free, live performances. Passion Plays  increase public understanding of the relevance of the Easter story in the context of a multifaith society.

Since 2010, there have been over 100 Passion Plays in key locations across the UK, collectively drawing the largest outdoor audiences of free, live theatre in any given year. In addition, Passion Plays generate a lot of creative content and much interaction on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

 

Jesus and two others on crosses as silhouette in front of Brighton's West Pier

What People Say about Passion Plays

I have no formal faith but I thought it was excellent…….I was glad I went. – Anonymous, Oxford

I invited a non Christian friend to the event. She found me at midday, stuck to me until 4 pm and was in Church the next day. – Janice, Hereford

 

 Grateful and in awe of the very talented actors. Several people I know who saw it were amazed and have said what they saw will stay with them and I’m praying will have helped them grow in faith. Also continuing to pray that many will come to know God through it. The number of people in the crowd was amazing  Annie, Hereford

The joy at Jesus’ resurrection at the end was palpable. – Katie, Oxford

It was a revelation to me.  When I was in the church “Peter” looked at me personally and said “Jesus loves you”… I was stunned. I never had that message delivered to me so strongly. It has remained in my heart and my mind since. I have made it light of my faith in recent years, being more a deist than a Christian, and irritated with all the Christian concepts. I feel like wanting to return to the fold now and I have this picture of Jesus with his arms wide opened.  It is amazing…. – Isabelle, Norwich

The Passion Play was a great event – there was a real buzz about it at NCBC on Sunday – excellent feedback from so many people. A lot of work I’m sure but worth it for the lasting impact – Helen, Norwich

 

 I’m not religious but what an amazing day…a wonderful project bringing a diverse community together. Thanks to everyone who put so much work into it – Yvette, Manchester

Not usually my thing but had a wonderful time. Hours of practice for all involved but the result was super. The choir was excellent too, very uplifting. Well done everyone! – Karen, Manchester

I got more than blessings watching. I burst into tears when Jesus walked back alive. Thank you all so much for your hard work. – Susan, Havant

A very moving portrayal, particularly the sight of the three crosses in front of the Cathedral. There was a lady nearby who stood up crying as Jesus was raised onto the cross…it brought home how those who witnessed this event at the time, must have felt. There were lots of people there from various churches, but I hope that the Christian message of Easter reached others who may have forgotten. Thank you. – Joanne, Manchester

An amazing love story uplifting the spirit strengthens the faith. Messages of love peace and sacrifice hope it has reached to those who have forgotten about it. – Neelum, Manchester

Bible stories can be over-familiar when you’ve heard them for years. This was a good opportunity to see what actually happened in more depth. Everyone was struck by the crucifixion scenes in both productions. You could sense that it was affecting people, and I hope it made them think. It also helps with our personal faith, and it’s also good to get to know people from other churches and denominations. It was lovely to realise that any differences in worship didn’t matter – it was helping to portray the life of Jesus and deliver the good news that did. – Carol, Havant

I was walking through Leicester on Good Friday at a time when I was still a bit uncertain in my faith. I came across Christ in the Centre by accident and saw James Burke-Dunsmore carrying his cross through the city centre. That inspired me, and I ended up going to Holy Trinity Church in Leicester and get involved in both the drama group there and – through that – in Christ in the Centre. I acted in the drama for three or four years, playing the roles of several different disciples, before taking the role of Jesus in the 2013 presentation, which was a privilege and a very exciting challenge – Nathan Obokoh, Jesus actor, Leicester

“I really must say how fantastic the whole presentation was. It certainly moved me with emotions I didn’t expect. The crucifixion scene was exceptionally well presented and whoever played the part of “Mary” they deserve an Oscar. I’m sure you are not going to let this be “put to bed” but are (and I think you should) do a repeat.” – Anon, New Malden

“I would just like to thank you for that amazing event – the New Malden Passion Play.  An inspired vision combined with the support of so many churches and other people and so much hard work from you. It was the most incredible feeling to be a small part of the whole experience. Thank you so much.”  – Anon, New Malden

It felt like we’d been present at Jesus’ crucifixion. – Dorothy, Lanarkshire

Made story seem more real. Ordinary people playing ordinary people.– Pete, Lanarkshire

I am having a difficult time at the moment, struggling and questioning my faith at times, and seeing this presentation helped me to feel stronger and touched me deeply – Anon, Lanarkshire

WELL DONE EVERYONE!!!! We thought it was just brilliant! No other words for it. Really VERY moving at times and so well put together. Thoroughly enjoyed it and were pleased that the weather for all performances was fairly kind and that there was such a good attendance this afternoon. – Ian, Havant

Huge congratulations to everyone who was involved. The production was truly awe inspiring and will remain in my mind for a long time. – Anon

It was an excellent performance, played out in awful weather. Well done to all participants you were absolutely amazing. – Janet, Edinburgh

Well done and thank you to you all, performing in the rain – and unseasonal cold! The play was beautiful – and so powerful. My first time at the Easter Play, and certainly won’t be the last. – Judy, Edinburgh

Thank you to all who made this performance so moving. You did so well continuing in such challenging weather. My first time but certainly will be back next year. – Sophie, Edinburgh

The show was brilliant, really challenging and enjoyable. Full credit it to the actors for braving it out in the terrible weather, they did an amazing job!  – Anon, Edinburgh

I absolutely loved the Easter Play yesterday; long may they continue, I’ll certainly be back next year all being well. Congratulations again. – Gordon, Edinburgh

Thanks so much for all your help and the team over the last few years in helping my son and other budding and talented actors to become more independent and confident! – Anon, Edinburgh

Fantastic Hull Minster, very emotional and well presented. – George, Hull

 

 

Is fundraising like online dating?

Online dating is trying to find the right match among many differnet people. Fundraising for Passion Plays is similar to online dating in one respect: trying to find the right match for your Play among different trusts and funding charities. Finding this perfect match is the key to raising funds to tell the Easter story!

Once you find trusts and funders who are of a similar mindset and value the things you value, you are well on the way to a perfect match.

 

How do we find potential funders?

The Charity Commission’s Register of Charities allows you to search for free by using filters to narrow your search. (Remember, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate registers.)
Funding Central is another register that is free to access.
For a more expensive option, you can try the Directory of Social Change’s Funds Online website which is regularly updated.
Since Passion Plays bring many churches of all denominations together, your diocese can be a good source of information and signposting. For example, see the Diocese of Bristol and their list of funders here.  www.bristol.anglican.org/documents/diocesan-funding-guide/
The Christian Funders’ Forum is also a useful source.

 

How do we let funders know our project is a good match for them?

Now is the time to do some research and really think about compatibility with the funders you are researching.

You can research their online content, websites, and also Further information will be inread through their annual reports published on the Charity Commissions website (click ‘Documents’ tab). These annual reports will give useful imformation about projects they have previously funded.

A quick phone call can also be helpful in establishing contact and goodwill as you will be able to find out more about them and let them know what you do.

Remember here that one of the key elements is timing! Some funders have a set application process that requires you to apply before a deadline. Other funders have trustees’ meetings at set times during the year and those times are good to work with.

The timing of your project also matters. Some funders like to fund projects in the early stage of development, while others like to give funding when they see other funders have already contributed.

There is a lot to think about with fundraising! But Passion Plays are such unique projects that it can also be an enjoyable process. Many funders like to hear about large community arts events that tell the Easter story in fresh and inspiring ways. Not only do Passion Plays have large outdoor audiences across the UK each Easter, they are also unique spaces of community, skill-sharing, mentoring and investing in the lives of volunteers across all sections of society. They are more than a one-off performance and the impact spreads across the whole community for many months.

 

Where can I find more help with fundraising?

If you want more help with fundraising, we have plenty more tips and advice on our website here.

We have recorded sessions from previous Passion Trust Conferences including sessions looking at Finance & Fundraising, Administration and Practical Considerations, and Q&A sessions. You can see more information and watch short helpful videos on our website here.

You can also find lots of helpful tips and advice at The Benefact Trust here or click on the image below.

three bullet points with rows of text and images in blue bubbles with white icons for help with fundraising

 

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