Sheffield Theatres Opens in Rehearsals in Support of Fundraising

Sheffield Theatres has today announced a new strand to its charitable fundraising activity. From this season, the final dress rehearsal of any of its home-grown productions will be made accessible to the public for a minimum donation of £1.00. This initiative will support Sheffield Theatres in raising much-needed funds to continue its work within the community and on-stage.

Claire Murray, Communications & Fundraising Director commented: 'As a registered charity we are always looking for ways to generate vital funds to maintain the quality and diversity of the shows we create, as well as reaching and working with audiences throughout the City Region. The final dress rehearsal is a great opportunity to see the creation of a show in its final stages. We hope that our audiences will give more than £1.00 for their tickets to enjoy this unique occasion and help support the Theatres.'

If every audience member in the 980 seat Crucible auditorium donated £5.00 for each ticket, the total raised could enable Sheffield Theatres to offer 22 bursary places for the annual Summer School programme or take 17 young people through the arts award or buy 26 pairs of men's tap shoes for a production like Anything Goes.

The Public Dress Rehearsal (PDR) gives audiences the chance to see the cast and creative team making final preparations for the official opening of the production. The decision on whether to open the rehearsal to the public is made by the show's director based on the technical requirements of the production, and tickets are made available from 10.00am on the morning of the rehearsal. The first Public Dress Rehearsal this season will be for Romeo & Juliet, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17 September (subject to confirmation on Wednesday). The Theatres will confirm that this rehearsal will be open to the public through Facebook, Twitter and on their website.

A registered charity, the Theatres' fundraising work provides an important income stream that allows it to produce world-class work, offer creative workshops with children and young people and provide access services. In addition to the donation made for a PDR ticket, customers can also donate in a number of other simple ways, including by text message and whilst booking tickets at the Box Office. For further information or to make a donation, call Leah Woffenden, Individual Giving Officer on 0114 201 3820.

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