READING Repertory Theatre is celebrating a decade of outreach and community education programme ENGAGE.
It’s delivered in partnership with organisations such as The National Lottery Community Fund, Reading Libraries, Reading Borough Council, Reading College, the University of Reading, and the NHS.
The theatre is now setting out on an eight-month schedule to mark ten years of the programme which supports and inspires engagement with stage performance for children, young people, and vulnerable adults, ENGAGE:10.
ENGAGE:10 sees a bill of workshops, projects, and performances throughout Reading,work with 49 organisations, 7,600 active participants and 200 practitioners, as well as providing 60 work experience opportunities and touring two productions to schools across Berkshire.
The year will culminate in ENGAGE’s first gala performance, which will see the theatre create a showcase piece reflecting communities served by the program.
Earlier this year, Reading Rep debuted its youth company in Peter Pan, where members of its ENGAGE programme performed alongside professional actors and producers.
Last year’s production of A Christmas Carol also saw the debut of three young actors from the programme taking part, performing the role of Tiny Tim/Timmie.
Both productions also continued Reading Rep’s pattern of producing complimentary shows and workshops for local young people to compliment the performances.
Paul Stacey, artistic director at Reading Rep Theatre, said: “We remain fiercely committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people from accessing world class theatre.
“After founding the programme a decade ago it is extraordinary to see our ENGAGE department reach its 10th anniversary and reflect on the amazing work we have achieved so far, and look forward to what we will achieve over the next year.”
Chris Cuming, head of ENGAGE, said “ENGAGE is at the heart of Reading Rep’s artistic mission and was set up to ensure that everyone in Reading–particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities–can access our work throughout their whole lives.
“To celebrate the department’s anniversary, ENGAGE:10 is an ambitious programme of events and projects that will recognise our diverse communities, bring people together and celebrate the unique work the theatre does beyond our venue.”
Reading Repertory Theatre is a multi-award winning theatre, including a Pride of Reading award for its cultural contribution in 2016, with founding artistic director Paul Stacey also receiving the Pride of Reading Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2021.
It is also supporting the Pride of Reading Awards in 2023.
Full details of Reading Repertory’s upcoming shows and programmes, including its ENGAGE:10 celebrations, are available via: readingrep.com/take-part
