We encourage young people of all backgrounds to make theatre an ongoing and inspiring part of their lives. By offering tickets at low prices and giving extra support, we enable them to attend theatre independently, providing opportunities to see a huge range of productions at venues across London and take part in ‘behind the scenes’ events with the creative team.
C145 (See a Show for £5) encourages 15 -18 year olds to become independent theatergoers and now has a membership of over 3,500. Over 1,600 C145’ers saw a diverse selection of challenging theatre, opera and dance productions. In addition to our monthly events, C145’ers were emailed an additional 40 theatre ticket offers.
“This is exactly what young people need to stay off the streets, not get bored or in trouble, and be inspired to make something of ourselves.” Sarah, C145 member
C145 Facts • 1,627 theatre visits were made by C145’ers this year • School ‘reps’ recruit new members and organise theatre visits • Highlights included challenging play Blasted, top musical Legally Blonde and opera La Bohéme
Eve Richardson is studying English Literature at the University of Manchester and is a member of its musical theatre society. She tells us how C145 impacted on her life. “C145 made a big difference to my life; it really gave me an interest in theatre. It’s given me the confidence to make full use of the theatre offers available to young people in London. My life is extremely different now, as I have become very independent. Getting involved in theatre and the arts and creative industry has motivated me
to get work experience and take theatre-related courses. C145 events particularly helped me with my GCSE and A-level drama as it broadened my knowledge in drama and allowed me to see lots of different types of theatre that I would never have normally seen. I have been very fortunate to have seen so many shows
at such a cheap price! And I definitely have developed a strong love for subsidised theatres and arts projects like Mousetrap. It’s really made me want to volunteer.”
WestEnd4£10 is for 19-23 year olds who pay £10 for a theatre ticket. We target students at drama schools and FE drama courses so that those studying theatre can see theatre. At every event, Westend4£10’ers participate in talks with members of the cast or creative team and last year were sent an additional 40 offers by email.
“What a wonderful opportunity it was to see not only such a brilliant performance but also meet them afterwards. It so much enhances the experience and understanding of the play.”
WestEnd4£10 Facts • 775 theatre visits were made this year • Membership is close to 3,000 19-23 year olds • WestEnd4£10’ers saw new plays like Blackwatch; musicals including Chicago and classic plays such as Design for Living
Anna, WestEnd4£10 member
The Youth Forum is a group of active young people who take a leadership role for our charity. Members advise on recruitment and marketing of C145 and WestEnd4£10, suggest productions, assist with our programmes, serve as school ‘reps’ and plan and run quarterly events for their peers. This year Forum members produced a short film on C145, met with West End marketers about youth e-communications and volunteered at MTP events.
Youth Forum Facts • Members volunteered for events such as WestEnd Live and TheatreCraft Day • Created and ran their own youth cabaret with 15 acts • Worked towards completing Bronze Arts Award
“All you have to do is join, turn up and prepare to experience the phenomenal power of theatre.” Yohanna, Youth Forum Member
C145’ers arriving at the theatre
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MOUSETRAP THEATRE PROJECTS ANNUAL REVIEW 2011
Teacher Preview Club We also think it’s important that teachers see theatre and our Club offers discounted theatre tickets, a quarterly newsletter with articles on using theatre in the classroom plus invitations to special events. TPC has nearly 2,000 members, who were offered £5 - £20 tickets for over 130 productions in the West End, London fringe and regional theatres.
Teacher Preview Club Facts • Introduced online ticketing with great success • Special members’ evenings at The Lion King and Ghost Stories • Re-designed StageDirections, the quarterly magazine
MOUSETRAP THEATRE PROJECTS ANNUAL REVIEW 2011
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