Today on Giving Tuesday, a global day to highlight generosity and support good causes, Norwich Theatre is launching its annual Christmas Appeal.
The Christmas Appeal is raising funds to ensure children, young people and families have access to life-changing creative experiences. The funds raised will help provide opportunities for all families to get creative together, no matter their circumstances.
Families in Norfolk are facing more challenges than ever before, with thousands struggling to get by. More than one-third of Norwich’s children are living in poverty*. That is nine in every classroom. They are feeling lonelier and more isolated, with one quarter saying they are “unable to cope with life.”*
Norwich Theatre will deliver creative workshops and holiday programmes where children, young people, their parents, and carers can explore their creativity through music, drama and dance. They will also offer pay-what-you-can activities and reduced-price or free tickets for families, and work with charity partners to reach the families who face the most barriers to accessing creative experiences.
A good childhood is built upon creative experiences, proven to aid confidence, resilience, self-esteem and provide children and young people with new skills and abilities. Moreover, it also provides a safe space for families to find support, build communities and connect with one another.
Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre, Stephen Crocker said: “Creative experiences shape our lives in immeasurable ways. From the stories we read to the shows we see to the music we hear; creativity influences how we make sense of the world, connect with others, and navigate our path through life.
“We know many children wish they could get involved but are often faced with barriers to accessing these opportunities. Currently, children from low-income families are often missing out. This Christmas we are trying to break down some of these barriers.”
As a charity, Norwich Theatre is asking for donations to ensure that no children, young people, or families miss out on integral creative experiences.
- By donating £15, you will enable a child to attend Norwich Theatre’s Fuelling Imaginations creative workshops, a space for families to get together in a warm space this winter.
- £24 will deliver a Parents’ Singing Circle session supporting parents of young children to connect and sing together.
- And £39 means a vulnerable or at-risk young person can take part in our Play-in-a-Day holiday activities of drama games and theatre skills.
Stephen Crocker added: “Here at Norwich Theatre, kindness never shines brighter than at Christmas. The season of goodwill is characterised by acts of generosity and compassion. For five years our loyal supporters have shared in this tradition, embracing the joy of giving and raising nearly £100,000 to help make a difference for those who need it most.
Please donate what you can to give the gift of a creative experience that provides children and young people with new skills and abilities to help them fulfil their potential.”
From supporting those living with dementia and their caregivers to feel less alone through Theatre Cares music workshops, to helping young people facing severe life challenges to find their voice and confidence through Theatre of Possibility activities, your support for Norwich Theatre’s Christmas Appeals has helped change the lives of thousands of people through creative experiences.
Norwich Theatre is collecting donations at the end of each Aladdin performance at Norwich Theatre Royal and its Christmas shows at Norwich Theatre Playhouse, using bucket collections and contactless donation points. A wishing well located at Norwich Theatre Royal Box Office is collecting cash donations during the opening hours of the building. Donations are automatically made when purchasing mulled cider at the Norwich Theatre Playhouse bar or buying a mince pie at Café Royal. Likewise, following your meal at Prelude, you can choose to add a donation to your bill. Cash donation points are located around all three Norwich Theatre venues. They can also be made when purchasing tickets or online at norwichtheatre.org/christmas-appeal
Any theatre lover will want to enter the Christmas Appeal Raffle, for the chance of winning a thespian’s dream prize bundle! By entering, you are automatically donating to the Christmas Appeal, whilst placing yourself in the draw to win a £100 gift voucher to spend on show tickets of your choice, a three-course meal for two in Prelude, a magical bundle of Aladdin goodies and a one-year Gold Friend membership.
Norwich Theatre would like to thank their Christmas Appeal Partner, K Foley Limited trading as McDonalds, for their support to make wishes come true for children and families this Christmas.
Registered Charity No. 262259
*Joseph Rowntree Foundation
