Community - Fundraising
Time for a new supporting role We raise the curtain on our patrons scheme.
When the lights went up on the New Vic’s opening performance in 1986, it marked the culmination of 25 years work, not just by Vic Theatre Director Peter Cheeseman but by the people of Staffordshire.
The dream of building Europe’s first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round became a reality following a tremendous fundraising effort by hundreds of businesses and local people who contributed more than £1.5 million to the building fund. Quite simply, the New Vic would not exist without the support of the community. And in 2008 supporters came out in force once more, when more than £1 million was raised for WorkSpace, a new state-of -the-art community facility. Now, there is a way people can continue to support the New Vic: the New Vic Patrons scheme. New Vic Fundraising Officer, Victoria Martin, said: “The New Vic has always been held in great affection by local people and 44| www.newvictheatre.org.uk
we have been fortunate always to receive their strong support.” New Vic Patrons support our theatre-inthe-round, helping to create a vibrant and diverse programme which is seen by more than 100,000 people every year. The Patrons also support the theatre’s lifechanging work in the community, helping to deliver award-winning pioneering work to more than 10,000 young people and community members each year through the New Vic’s Borderlines and Education departments. Theresa Heskins, Artistic Director, said: “The New Vic Theatre’s mission is to make excellent theatre-in-the-round and be a positive force for change in our region. New Vic Patrons are extremely important to us. We are so grateful for their generous support, as they make a very real contribution to helping us to achieve our mission.” The scheme has two tiers of support, New Vic Patrons at £5 a month or £60