One of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s longest standing hiring companies has gifted the theatre’s #SaveOurTheatres campaign £1,000 as the venue strives to reach a total target of £10,000. The donation comes as the theatre has just eight days left to reach its target and the donation has brought new momentum to the appeal.

The crowdfunding campaign is a nationwide appeal to help secure the future of arts venues across the country as their incomes have been decimated since lockdown. If all of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s regular audience and supporters pledged just £3 each, the community theatre would reach its target before the deadline.

Graham Mitchell, the theatre’s Events and Fundraising Director says, “We joined in this campaign to help bolster our finances against the huge loss of revenue we’ve experienced this year so far. The support given to us by our hirers and supporters shows just how much we mean to the people of York, and how important it is that this venue keeps going.”

York Light Opera Company has selected five of the theatre’s rewards available on the Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s Crowdfunding page. Five sponsored seats in the auditorium, with plaques bearing the name of one of York’s longest established theatre companies, will be testament to the high regard in which this venue is held. Many types of rewards are available, from afternoon teas on stage to teddy bears and tote bags. You can also book a guided theatre tour for you and your friends, access all areas (even into the follow spotters’ cages) and always socially distanced.

Sue Hawksworth, chair of York Light Opera Company says, “York Light has a long association with Joseph Rowntree Theatre. We have many happy memories of playing here over the decades and it has been the home of York Light Youth since their beginning in 2013. By donating to the ‘Save our Theatre’ campaign we wish to play our part in ensuring this theatre remains part of our community for many years to come.”

Want to support your local theatre? Please support our campaign and claim one of our special rewards.