WICKED Extends Partnership With UK Charity theatre works! Into Third Year
WICKED producers donate £10,000 in tickets to support access to theatre across the UK
Following a successful two-year partnership, which has seen over 1000 school children benefit from a free or subsidised bursary, the producers of the stage musical Wicked have committed to donating a further £10,000 worth of tickets to theatre works!, a UK-based charity committed to making theatre accessible to young people for a third consecutive year.
The donated tickets are for the West End production of Wicked, as part of its acclaimed Wicked Active Learning education programme, providing the opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the magical world of Oz.
Offered in addition to Wicked's year-round commitment to significantly reduced-priced Education tickets, schools can apply to theatre works! for financial support to attend Tuesday to Thursday performances during term time. This arrangement ensures that the experiences are integrated into the educational framework, providing both entertainment and learning opportunities.
This significant contribution will provide young people outside the M25, facing economic and social barriers, with the opportunity to experience one of London's most iconic stage musicals, enhancing their appreciation for the arts in general and live theatre in particular.
The charity, theatre works!, will use these tickets to broaden the horizons of children who might not otherwise have the chance to attend such a high-calibre production.
Since its inception five years ago, theatre works! has provided tickets in the UK and US for over 33,000 children and young people to attend the theatre. By coordinating with schools and youth organisations, the charity funds trips that are not only fun but also educational, including post-show discussions whenever possible.
Describing their experience, a teacher from Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Liverpool said “The educational and emotional value of the experience was clear. Not only did students enjoy a world-class production, but many also gained new perspectives on social justice, self-expression, and empathy. The trip has also sparked renewed interest in the performing arts among our students, with some already asking about future theatre opportunities”
Sharon Studer, Co-founder and Chair of theatre works!, said "'For over a thousand students supported by theatre works!, seeing Wicked has been far more than a memorable day out. It has been a first encounter with live theatre and a chance to discover the imagination, craft and hard work behind a major production. The post-show Q&As that many attend have been an especially valuable part of that experience, helping young people understand that theatre is created by many different talents, both on stage and behind the scenes. Wicked's support has also helped raise awareness of theatre works! and our mission to make these opportunities available to children who might otherwise be excluded. We are deeply thankful to the whole Wicked team for their continued support.'
