At the start of the year, the theatre has topped more than 8,000 Friends, alongside a business community approaching 60 businesses also showing their support.
As a charity with no regular funding support – almost entirely reliant on the operation of its venues for income – Norwich Theatre’s Friends, Ambassadors, Corporate Sponsors and Corporate Members are vital.
“They allow us to re-invest in our creative programmes, continue our work with the wider community to affect social change, and inspire future generations in the creative arts,” says Friends and Supporters Manager at Norwich Theatre, Hannah Crouch.
Each and every person and organisation who have joined us in some way have created a relationship with the theatre because they support its efforts and find joy in the transforming effects of creativity on people’s lives.
Norwich Theatre has inspired audiences with creative experiences for nearly 300 years. As well as fantastic shows, Norwich Theatre offers creative experiences across the board, from nurturing local talent to take part sessions with babies, people living with dementia, refugees and wider communities.
Ann has supported Norwich Theatre as a Friend, and now an Ambassador, for more than 15 years and encourages others to get involved: “Norwich Theatre is a very important part of my life; we are so lucky to have such quality, diversity and innovation so near home. They always make me feel welcome, and I would encourage others to join and feel that too.”
This year alone, 10 new businesses have joined the corporate community as either a member or sponsor bringing the Corporate Community up to a total of 59 individual businesses.
For John Gostling, Managing Director at Breakwater IT, “Working with Norwich Theatre gives us the opportunity to support the work they do to inspire, entertain, and unite people through creativity.”
Norwich Theatre’s Corporate Community also receive access to networking events, the opportunity to exhibit at the Corporate Exhibition as well as opportunities to purchase tickets to exclusive seat and lounge packages for popular shows.
As a thank you, Norwich Theatre’s passionate community of Friends, Ambassadors, Corporate Members, and Sponsors receive priority booking and save money on tickets across all Norwich Theatre venues. Over the last year, Friends together loved saving more than half a million pounds.
Hannah encourages people to join the passionate theatre community: “With so many exciting things coming up at Norwich Theatre, now is the time to become a member and make sure you are front of the line for information and access to upcoming shows.
“Not only do our Friends and Ambassadors receive fabulous benefits as part of their membership, but they are also vital to the ongoing success of Norwich Theatre.”
For more information about supporting Norwich Theatre, visit https://norwichtheatre.org/friends-support/