The RSC Friends were set up in 1983 to create a closer link between the many enthusiastic supporters of the RSC and the Company itself. Since then we have grown to a membership of over 1700 across the UK. Our aim is to enable you to become more involved with, and informed about, the RSC – the productions, the actors and the different departments which make up the Company. Any profits we make go directly towards supporting the RSC’s activities.
The Friends support the RSC in many ways, either volunteering on the Friends Desk before performances or at special events, or fundraising for particular projects. The Friends also enjoy a lively programme of events, in the past hearing talks by David Bradley, Judi Dench and Antony Sher.
The RSC Friends are run by voluntary Friends’ Organisers within three regions – Stratford-upon-Avon, London and Newcastle, led by a voluntary RSC Friends Co-ordinator.
Projects funded by the RSC Friends
Once a year the RSC Friends work with the RSC Development Department to decide which projects to support. These can be large, long term projects and more immediate, short term projects.
In 2004-2006, our major project was to fund a two year Costume Bursary Placement, to help develop the skills training offered to young theatre professionals leaving higher education. In 2006-2007, the Friends contributed to theRSC’s Access provision in The Courtyard Theatre, which is crucial in enabling as many people as possible to experience the thrill of live performance and in 2007-2008 we funded the Public Understudy Performances, giving young actors the chance to be seen by the public playing their understudy role and giving audiences the chance to see the starts of the future.
The RSC Friends also provide a ‘Kettle Fund’, which was set up to pay for small but significant items to improve actors’ experiences whilst they perform for the RSC. Purchases to be made through the fund have included fridges, vases and tumblers for use in the dressing rooms at The Courtyard Theatre, the latest purchase being Garden Furniture for the actor’s cottages so they can enjoy the outside space and feel at home.
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