Supporting National Theatre of Scotland's Festive Firsts this season
20/12/18
Rather than print and post holiday cards this year, we've teamed up with the National Theatre of Scotland make it possible for children from across Scotland to experience theatre, many for the first time. Our Glasgow Studio Principal Steve tells us more.
The National Theatre of Scotland's headquarters, Rockvilla, in Glasgow. Image: Gillian Hayes.
I’m sure many of us can remember our first trip to the theatre.
I grew up in a family immersed in amateur theatre, but it was only when I experienced my first professional production as an audience member did the bug really hit home. Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 1975, (I think). I can still remember the sheer energy of the performance and the joy of the music. It opened my eyes to the possibility of theatre as a career and also made me realise the enjoyment live performance can bring. I was lucky to have a family deeply involved in theatre and able and willing to take me to shows, but many kids aren’t so lucky.
Rather than sending holiday cards this year, we are proud to support the National Theatre of Scotland’s Festive Firsts through the provision of a £1,000 CSR grant from our Blue Team, offering young people from all over Scotland the opportunity to experience live theatre for the first time. The offer though isn’t just a ticket, it’s a day out, including travel to and from the theatre, a workshop to learn about the production, lunch, a programme, an interval drink and a chance to meet the cast. Children with family caring responsibilities are also supported through the provision of alternative care arrangements.
“We are delighted to have the support of Charcoalblue for this year’s Festive Firsts campaign,” said Artistic Director and Chief Executive Jackie Wylie. “As you know, National Theatre of Scotland is a Theatre Without Walls - for us, Theatre Without Walls means more than a commitment to touring our work across venues and sites the length and breadth of Scotland. It means removing the barriers that prevent people from taking part in theatre, making theatre accessible to everyone.”
We hope that the theatre spark is ignited in some of those young people and a lifetime of enjoyment or indeed a career follows.
From all of us at Charcoalblue, we wish you a very happy holiday and a prosperous new year.
Steve Green,
Glasgow Studio Principal
Supporting the industry internationally since 2004
