CORNWALL College St Austell has launched a new opportunity for local performers, community groups and creatives with the introduction of the ‘Key to The Keay’ grant.

The grant will provide two individuals or organisations with the chance to stage their own one-night performance at The Keay Theatre in May 2026, complete with technical support, a consultation session with the theatre manager, and marketing promotion.

In addition, the winners of this unique prize will also be able to keep 100 per cent of the profits made from the performance, enabling them fund further creative projects in the future.

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and celebrating the arts, the college is inviting applications from a broad range of performers.

Eligible groups include youth and school productions, charities, local theatre companies, individual performers and organisations championing Cornish culture or education.

The Keay Theatre itself offers an impressive setting for any performance, with seating for up to 224 people.

The space features full lighting rigs, a high-spec sound system and projection facilities. Performers will also have access to dedicated dressing rooms.

Laetitia Mayne, deputy head of Cornwall College St Austell, said: “We’re incredibly proud to offer this opportunity to the community. The Keay Theatre has long been a space for creativity and collaboration, and we’re excited to open its doors to new voices and projects that deserve to be seen.”

The Key to The Keay grant reflects Cornwall College’s commitment to making the arts more accessible and enriching the region’s cultural landscape by offering a professional platform. This new initiative is designed to give emerging or underrepresented voices a chance to shine on one of Cornwall’s iconic theatre stages.

Applications are now open and must be submitted by 11.59pm on Sunday, October 26, via the college website: www.cornwall.ac.uk/keaytheatre