The Gospel of Christ featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album Lift Your Hearts To Heavenly Places recorded and produced by Ross Gill

In last week’s blog I shared a promo of the staged concert version of “Theophilus – The Musical” – so what is next in the development of this, our latest musical? Well, we are applying to the Arts Council to fund 5 live performances at Bay House School and the New Theatre Royal; one of which will be filmed. We had to explain in 800 words what the application was for – so please see below:
Mustard Seed Songs, in association with Gosport Council and the Gosport and Fareham Multi- Academy Trust wish to produce a co- creation community project featuring the original “Theophilus- The Musical” using the narrative of the Bible’s Acts of the Apostles to raise questions on belief and encourage discussion.
The project will inspire local young people who have limited access to the arts. 170 Primary school children will receive musical theatre workshops, vocal instruction and will work alongside professionals, performing arts students and amateur actors in 5 live performances. They will be joined by 80 dance school members to perform and help choreography the project.
This is an open application to which all local Primary schools and dance schools are invited
I wish that is all we needed to submit, but in fact the process was – well let’s say “extremely challenging.” All the below, plus sub-sections, had to be completed with most sections having a 1500 -word limit. The application is to be sent off on Monday and we should hear whether or not we are successful within 8 weeks – The amount we are asking the Arts Council for is just under £30,000- the actual project will cost more than twice that amount, but we hope to raise the extra from ticket sales and donations.
• Introduction
• Applicant details
• Address information
• Contact information
• Financial background
• Governance document
• Priorities
• Amount requested
• Your Project
• Who and how
• Where
• Budget – Income
• Questions
• Budget – Expenditure
• Questions
• Partners and collaborators
• Risks and challenges
• Delivering the Outcomes
• Investment Principles
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Responsibility
• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism
• Attachment
• Monitoring information
• Declaration
• Submission summary

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