Issue 1 Summer 2017
A Golden Commemoration Of Perfection & Professionalism
Welcome Welcome to this first edition of The REPort! Timed to coincide with the launch of our one million pound REP FIRST fundraising campaign, we hope it will illustrate our breadth of work, which goes way beyond just plays on a stage. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our supporters. I hope you enjoy reading about our activities and achievements and look forward to welcoming you back to The REP again soon! Rachel Cranny, Head of Fundraising
Colleagues past and present recently gathered to celebrate Sue Nightingale’s 50 years of continual service. Sue, known affectionately as Totty to her colleagues, started working for the wardrobe department in 1967 when the company was based at the Old REP on Station Street. Since then she has moved location twice, worked with 11 artistic directors, unsurprisingly progressed from role of assistant to head of department, and created over 10,000 costumes for more than 800 shows. In 2015 Sue was awarded The Stage Unsung Hero Award in recognition for her many years of hard work. Award-winning theatre director and former Artistic Director at The REP, Bill
Alexander said: “Whenever I think back to my time at The REP Totty's face is one of the first images that comes into my mind, quickly followed by the memory of the warmth of her personality, the kindness and generosity of her spirit, the wonder of her creativity, the calmness of her demeanour and the brilliance and high professionalism of her work. She is a true theatre artist of outstanding quality.” Former Executive Director, John Stalker said: “This is a towering achievement unparalleled in British theatre. The REP has been so fortunate to have Sue at the helm (or is that the hem?) of its wonderful wardrobe department.”
Stars Of The Future
Inside this issue: New and Nurtured
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Political Thumbs Up
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Open For All
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Dinner And Drama 3 At Fundraising Gala At The Heart Of Brum
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REP FIRST Ambassadors
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Over 350 children have taken part in 15 Young REP groups this year. They have worked with professional theatre makers to create and produce a broad range of high quality theatrical experiences. In 2017 Young REP shows included Born Offenders, Molly of the Midfield, and a special commission Remember Remember by Young REP
alumna, Grace Barrington. One grateful parent thanked The REP for giving her son the opportunity to take part in affordable drama sessions, build his confidence and learn more about the world around him.
Young actors were also involved in the main house show, To Sir With Love,
giving them a unique opportunity to participate in a professional production. Young REP bursaries are kindly supported by a number of individual benefactors who recognise that financial means should be no barrier to developing talent. The REP thanks them all.