The Elgiva Board of Management
Chesham Town Council and the Elgiva Board of Management
The Elgiva is operated by Chesham Town Council. They established the Elgiva Board of Management in 2003, comprised of local people with a range of commercial experience and interest in the performing arts. Board members give their time and energy on a voluntary basis to assist the Council and theatre management.David Cooper
David is where the buck stops. As theatre manager, David is at the helm of the good ship Elgiva and is responsible for deciding what acts and films come to our theatre and when. He sets the tone for the programme and inspires and guides The Elgiva’s other endeavours, such as our Youth Theatre and ensuring the greatest film known to mankind (It’s a Wonderful Life) is shown without fail every Christmas.
David joined The Elgiva in 2018. “Every day is different and we’re able to make a positive difference to someone’s day whether it be through entertainment, education or participation. The performing arts are unique – people display such a passion for what they do and watching that connection with an audience is incredible. The Elgiva’s ability to host such a wide range of activities with a strong connection with the local community make it an incredible place to be.”
Tracey Hatchett
Caroline Tayor
Marketing Officer Caroline joined The Elgiva in 2019; she oversees the marketing for the different shows, as well as the overall brand of the theatre and how it interacts with the community. Caroline also develops areas of focus for the theatre, such as the loyalty scheme for customers and corporate partners.
She loves working with The Elgiva team, who, she says “are all very passionate about the arts.”
The performing arts are close to Caroline’s heart. “One thing I love about the performing arts is no one performance is the same and you never quite know what you are going to get!” she says.
“The Elgiva is special because of the customers who come here, month after month, year after year. Their commitment and loyalty to the theatre (despite COVID) is heart-warming.”
Eleanor Garth
Eleanor has worked for The Elgiva since 2018 and looks after the theatre’s communications; she handles the theatre’s social media, press releases, newsletters and emails, as well as keeping the website updated with information and shows.
“It’s never the same day twice,” she says. “One of the best bits of my job is speaking to so many different people, including our lovely customers, promoters, staff and volunteers.”
Eleanor says that she loves working at The Elgiva, hopefully inspiring people to see something new or try something different.
She says: “The Elgiva is unique; we really believe in Elgiva for Everyone and try to be as inclusive and varied as possible.”
Becky Harrison
Becky is our Engagement Officer, which means she is responsible for the development of activities and events that raise awareness and participation in the creative arts and foster partnerships with local community, schools and organisations. A new post, Becky joined the theatre earlier this year, but has already found her feet.
“The venue is amazing, the people are lovely and there is so much variety in what’s going on,” she says. “Everything about The Elgiva is special because it has so many different things to offer.”
The Technical Team
Mikey Page
When it comes to technical matters, Mikey’s where it’s at. With his intrepid tech team, Mikey handles the technical side of performances, whether it’s a live stream, a film, a panto or musical performance. He looks after all the props and backstage stuff, the audio and visuals and ensures the theatre’s fire alarms are serviced.
Mikey’s been on the tech crew since 2017 and says he loves his job because every day is different. “There’s always a chance to try new ideas and work with new people,” he says. “It’s always very satisfying helping bring people’s projects to life! Being able to work in a team to create some theatre magic – well, that’s just amazing!”
“The Elgiva is special because of the community values it possesses. I love being able to work with so many amazing people, right in the heart of our brilliant town!”
Ryley
Ryley has been both a volunteer and an intern at The Elgiva but is now a fully-fledged employee as a Technical Apprentice.
“I like working at the theatre because I enjoy working on live shows whether I’m doing sound, lighting or stage teching,” he says. “I get to do all the fun stuff at The Elgiva.”
Ryley loves working as part of The Elgiva team. “One thing I love about the performing arts is the way everyone gets along with each other and works together to create an amazing show.”
“Everyone is so helpful and friendly,” he adds. “I have learnt an incredible amount in a short space of time because everyone is so giving of their talents and time. I am looking forward to being able to pay that all back soon, bringing amazing shows to the Elgiva stage.”
The Front of House Team
Kate
Kate has kept our Box Office running like a well-oiled machine for the last couple of years; as well as dealing with bookings and customers’ queries and requests, she makes sure we have all the right films, posters and leaflets. Kate also programs all the shows and films on our booking system, designing early bird offers and priority booking.
A focal point for The Elgiva, Kate enjoys the Box Office interaction and the variety each day brings – “So many different things to do, the day zips by!” she says.
“One thing I love about the performing arts is they are about story-telling which is such a human thing. For thousands of years people have sat around telling stories and that’s what performing arts do. Whether it’s through dance, drama, comedy, film, music – it’s all about the story. Imagination is a wonderful thing.
The Elgiva is special because it’s really part of the community and people feel it belongs to them – which it does!”
