WONKA Podia

WONKA Podia: six theatre venues in the Brainport region working together to lower theatre barriers

The Living In Program is part of the Municipality of Eindhoven/ Holland Expat Center South. We help internationals to settle in and to feel more at home in the Eindhoven region. We work together with all kind of organizations in the region. This time we would like to introduce to you: Wonka Podia

For more information about the Living In Program, please contact Josine Frankhuizen of Holland Expat Center South: J.Frankhuizen@eindhoven.nl Since 2020, six venues in the Brainport region are working more closely together. Becoming one of the ‘Regio Deals’ – initiated and financed by Brainport Development – has made their connection even stronger. The six venues find each other in a number of overarching themes such as inclusiveness, internationalization and education. They share experiences and learn from each other in the areas of technology, marketing and programming. Together, they take steps to make their venues more accessible and to welcome everyone who wants to be there. By working together, they create more impact and can mean more for the Brainport region; their working area.

End of September they launched their new cooperation brand: WONKA Podia! This name is inspired by the director of the famous chocolate factory: Willy Wonka. A name that appeals to the imagination of many and evokes a certain feeling. The Wonka character amazes the world and is a contrary pioneer for whom imagination is paramount. With his innovative sweets, he makes the impossible possible. And that is exactly how the venues plan their collaboration and what they have in mind. Together, they want to open up the world of theatre in an innovative, progressive way to everyone who wants it.

From the idea that ‘everyone is welcome’, the pioneering venues want to mean more to all residents of ‘their’ Brainport region. A special, strong and sustainable economic region that is on the map nationally and internationally and has a lot of impact. The WONKA Podia are the contrary thinkers, pioneering their new way through this Brainport landscape. They question, involve and seek a lasting relationship with residents and organisations. They use innovative technological tools, by sharing knowledge and learning from each other, by connecting, and by continuously identifying needs (what do residents want). Streaming Project One of the projects that has already been realized is the streaming project. All WONKA Podia have jointly acquired equipment and software to be able to stream everything that happens on their stages worldwide, either live or on-demand. This means that visitors can watch performances online from the comfort of their homes. A godsend for the elderly, for whom a physical visit to the stage is difficult. But also in these corona times, a great way to continue to organize live performances and business events in the venues. Or think of school musicals, performances by the local brass band or dance school. In this way, people can still perform, watch and enjoy. And so the venues continue to provide a link.

WONKA Venues Wonka comprises six venues from the Brainport region: Parktheater Eindhoven, Cacaofabriek & Het Speelhuis in Helmond, Theater de Schalm in Veldhoven, Theater de Hofnar in Valkenswaard and Theater de Kattendans in Bergeijk. Partly thanks to their participation in Brainport Development’s Regiodeal, they can work together on a sustainable relationship with each other and their audiences, and invest in the things needed for this.