Welcome to the first edition of Theatre
Matters
The Belgrade Theatre Trust is a registered charity (number 219163). This means that all the money given, raised or earned is not distributed as profit but kept and reinvested in the work that we do. We are reliant on the valued support of our donors and sponsors to ensure that we can continue to develop our artistic and educational work and remain central to the communities that we serve. This review will hopefully give you a flavour of the exciting work that we do at the Belgrade, but for more information please visit www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us
What we have achieved 2014-15
Thank you very much, to all those who have supported the Belgrade during 2014-15. Last year, you helped to raise over £160,000 in donations and sponsorship, which meant we were able to provide:
44 places for young people in our Asian and Black Youth Theatres;
Belgrade Unplugged, which toured venues across
Coventry & Warwickshire and was enjoyed by 600 people;
our Give the Gift of Theatre appeal, providing 362
tickets to see Aladdin for families facing financial hardship;
the production of Only a Day; and improvements to our access facilities.
To find out more about what your support helped us to achieve, please visit www.belgrade.co.uk/charity
In Our Own Words: Festival of Theatre by Young People, for Young People, 8-21 July 2015 During the two week festival, the Belgrade showcased some of the best new work by and for young people, made by our own participants and other regional and national groups. We worked with artists from companies around the UK such as Frantic Assembly, the Royal Shakespeare Company,Vamos Theatre, Gateway Studio Project, curious directive,Theatre Absolute, Ludic Rooms and Highly Sprung.The two weeks culminated in an action packed weekend of performances, workshops, talks and interactive events.
Inspiring Curiosity
2015 marks the 50th Anniversary of Theatre in Education (TiE) at the Belgrade, and the establishment of a company dedicated to using theatrical performance and drama workshops to explore issues of cultural, social, political and moral significance for school children across Coventry and the wider region. To mark the significant anniversary, our Community & Education team – led by Justine Themen, Associate Director and Claire Simpson, General Manger - have a range of events planned, to celebrate and promote theatre made for and with young people, including: July Festival of theatre by young people for young people; October Festival of theatre for children and young people; and Inspiring Curiosity Conference looking at the relationship between drama, theatre and education. The events celebrate the richness and diversity of theatre made by, with or for young people in this country, much of which has sprung from these early beginnings, and to promote the essential role that drama and theatre can play in inspiring the curiosity and creative thinking of our young people. To find out more about our Inspiring Curiosity Festival, please visit www.inspiringcuriosity.co.uk
A visit to the theatre at Christmas is a magical experience and often a treasured memory. Unfortunately, due to financial hardship or illness, many families across Coventry and Warwickshire are not able to make these memories. We are therefore, once again, partnering with Coventry Foodbank to provide 400 tickets to our Pantomime – offering families quality time together and the opportunity to reduce the sense of isolation that some people feel at Christmas. Donations to our Making Memories campaign will help many families in need to experience the joy, excitement and escapism that theatre can bring. To find out more, please visit www.belgrade.co.uk/memories
Shine On
Shine On started as a year-long project funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, to test ideas around arts and health / wellbeing with the 50+ community, creating strong local partnerships. It has since been established as a regular group, based at the theatre, and is considering developing its work to include outreach support for those older people who are traditionally more isolated and less mobile/unable to come into the City Centre. Thanks to the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, we are very pleased to have secured funding for another three-years, as of January 2016, for our Shine On group.
Key Dates Key dates for your diary September - First night of our autumn season, with Crush September – Gala Night ê 16 September – 100 day countdown of our Making Memories campaign ê 29 September – Directors’ Club drinks reception at The Importance of Being Earnest ê 29 September – VIP night for The Silver Sword ê 10–31 October – Festival of theatre for children and young people (including a Conference on 21 & 22) ê 4
ê 11
Acting Out
Acting Out is the Belgrade’s ground breaking, work-related learning programme that works with young people who are not achieving their full potential within the mainstream education system. It provides them with an opportunity to participate in drama, dance and performing arts business activities based at the theatre. We are incredibly thankful to those Trusts and supporters who enable this programme to continue. To find out more, please visit www.belgrade.co.uk/take-part/ acting-out
Exclusive Events
Exclusive events for our Friends and Directors’ Club members We are delighted to be able to welcome our members to see behind the scenes at the Belgrade, and over the last few months, these have included invitations to VIP Nights, the press launch of Cougar a visit to our wardrobe and set-building workshop and a press launch for Crush (our spectacular new musical opening in September). Friends of the Belgrade Theatre is a way for you to support the Belgrade and receive additional benefits that will enhance your theatre experience. We offer different levels of membership (from £30 per year) to reflect your interests and the level of engagement you wish to have with us www.belgrade.co.uk/friends The Directors’ Club is the Belgrade Theatre’s business membership scheme which enables organisations to work in partnership with the theatre, entertain clients, target new markets, reward staff and show their commitment to the local community by associating their business with the Belgrade.
In order to keep up to date with our news, events and development activity, we not only produce Newsletters for our Friends and Directors’ Club members – with details of new shows, priority booking, special ‘behind the scenes’ events and members benefits - but you can also see what we have achieved on our website blog ‘Well Done Wednesday’ at www.belgrade. co.uk/news-and-blogs
Support Us
We are only able to continue to do amazing things, thanks to the kind donations and support we receive from our Friends, Directors’ Club members, Individual Donors and Trusts & Foundations. By making a donation to the Belgrade Theatre Trust, you are enabling us to continue to: present a diverse range of high quality theatre; showcase productions that reflect the region’s stories, promoting community cohesion and a sense of local pride; have broad access through pricing and facilities; nurture careers, through internships, placements and apprenticeships; provide a range of community and education learning opportunities, such as our Youth Theatre groups; and respond creatively to the challenge of reducing our environmental impact. To find out more about how your support will help the Belgrade, and to make a donation, please visit www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us If you have any questions, or wish to discuss your support, please contact the Development Department on 024 7684 6758 or email developmentadmin@belgrade.co.uk
Thank you