St Austell’s Key to the Keay grant reopens for local performers

A professional stage, full lighting and sound, a technical crew on hand and every pound of the ticket money kept by the performers. For two local acts, that is what a single night at The Keay Theatre in St Austell will look like in June 2027.

A free run at a professional stage

Cornwall College St Austell has reopened its Key to the Keay community performance grant, handing local performers and creative groups the chance to take over The Keay Theatre next year. Two successful applicants will each stage a professionally supported, one-night performance, with the venue, technical support, a consultation with the Theatre Manager and dedicated marketing all provided.

The winning acts will perform on either Saturday 5 June or Sunday 6 June 2027. They also keep 100 per cent of their ticket income, money they can put straight back into future projects.

Applications are open now and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 20 September 2026.

This year’s winners set the bar

The grant returns after a first year that put two very different acts on the Keay stage, Mount Charles Band and Pointe Academy of Dance. For the dance school, the night turned into a springboard.

Natalie Dudley, Head of Pointe Academy of Dance, said: “Our show couldn’t have gone much better! The school has made enough in ticket sales that it’s set us up to be able to put on regular productions, and we are already planning the next one. I would encourage anyone and everyone to apply. The opportunity has benefitted our dance school and our students tremendously.”

Who can apply

The College is inviting individuals, organisations and community groups of every kind to put their names forward. That includes youth and school productions, charities, local theatre companies, musicians, dancers and groups celebrating Cornish culture or education. The scheme is aimed at performers who might not otherwise get near a professional venue, part of a wider effort by Cornwall College to make the arts more accessible across the area.

Laetitia Mayne, Assistant Principal of Cornwall College St Austell, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be bringing the Key to the Keay grant back for another year. Seeing this year’s winners take to the stage and the impact it had on their groups and audiences was fantastic. We are passionate about supporting creativity in our community and look forward to discovering even more local talent through this opportunity.”

Inside The Keay Theatre

The Keay Theatre seats up to 224 people and comes with full lighting rigs, a high-spec sound system, projection facilities and dedicated dressing rooms. It runs a year-round programme of live music, theatre, comedy and community events, hosting touring productions alongside local performers.

Full application details are on the Key to the Keay page on the Cornwall College website. Whoever wins, the stage is booked for one weekend in June. The window to apply closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 20 September 2026.