READING Repertory Theatre is celebrating those who have helped support the theatre through donations and patronage as part of ‘Giving Tuesday’.
As part of their Giving Tuesday celebrations, Reading Rep Theatre carried out a small programme of thank-you calls and messages to supporters who have contributed to the organisation since its building opened.
The activity was not connected to any fundraising drive; instead, it served as an opportunity for the theatre to acknowledge past generosity, express appreciation, and learn more about the supporters who help sustain Reading Rep Theatre’s work.
It follows a visit by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh to meet the cast of their festive production of A Christmas Carol, which marked the start of the theatre’s celebrations of their patrons, which included the Duke.
Paul Stacey, Founding Artistic Director of Reading Rep Theatre said of the visit, “His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh’s continued support means a great deal to all of us at Reading Rep Theatre.
“His visit this Christmas felt like a genuine celebration not just of our work, but of the extraordinary community that fills this building every day.
“This year has shown more clearly than ever just how much our theatre means to local people, from our audiences and young participants to our creative teams and volunteers.
“We’re proud to be a home for stories, creativity and connection, and honoured that our Royal Patron recognises the impact this theatre has on our town.”
This year’s festive production was sponsored by Reading based chartered accountants Vale & West, which continues their relationship with the theatre after sponsoring last year’s production of The Snow Queen.
Jason Pyke, Managing Partner at Vale & West, said: “Vale & West has been part of Reading for well over a century, and as a firm that has grown alongside the town, we believe strongly in giving back to the community and being an active part of the local business community.
“Supporting Reading Rep Theatre – from last year’s production of The Snow Queen to this year’s A Christmas Carol – felt like a perfect fit.
“Joining the company for the VIP night with our colleagues and clients was a real highlight and a wonderful reminder of the value of having high-quality, professional theatre right here in Reading.
“A strong local arts scene contributes enormously to a thriving town, and we are proud to support an organisation that continues to make such a meaningful impact locally.”
Head of Development Megan Turnell Willett said: “This time of year is naturally a season when people feel more compelled to give to charity–however, the warmth of the Christmas spirit moving people to share with those less fortunate is also a well-acknowledged phenomenon among fundraisers.
“December can feel somewhat saturated with donation requests and appeals, for more worthy causes than most people have pennies to spare.”
She explained: “People have been giving to Reading Rep in one way or another, since the very beginning–our very first production was only made possible by a generous £500 donation from our Artistic Director’s Grandma.
“Charitable giving – or, rather, receiving – is in our bones, and what is Giving Tuesday without the givers themselves?
2So rather than launching a campaign or setting a financial target, we wanted to turn the idea on its head and simply set aside some time to thank the people who’ve supported us over the years.
“It felt like something we ought to do more often, and this provided a natural prompt to get on with it.”
She added: “I’m definitely thinking about this as the first of many Giving Tuesdays for Reading Rep – I’m already planning how we can make next year bigger and better, while retaining this spirit – a small pause in the middle of a busy season to acknowledge the people who have stood alongside Reading Rep from the beginning, and who make so much of our work possible.”
