Theatre Tickets for the Young : Get involved !
An article in ‘The Stage’ has reported that young children are
seeing less theatre than ever before which is a very sad and worrying thing to
hear. According to government reports from the Department of Culture, Media and
Sports, the ‘taking part’ findings show the 5 - 10 year olds participation in
theatre activities within the past year has dropped by half from 2008/2009. I
know the primary concerns for parents are financial but if you’re just aiming
for London, chances are you’re not really searching hard enough or you’re not
looking outside the ‘West End’ box. Give your offspring a creative start by
supporting your regional theatres and there is plenty on offer too in Off West
End and Fringe venues. There are lots of helpful schemes and offers for
families and young people out there, even the West End are on board.
Here are a just a few of my favourites listed below :
1. Kids Week – an annual event organised by the
Society of London Theatre, they offer a free ticket to under 16’s when
accompanied with a full price paying adult to West End shows. There are no
booking fees and the adult can also get up to 2 additional child tickets half
price. There a lots of free activities on offer too like backstage tours and
meeting the stars.
2. Mousetrap Theatre
Projects – a wonderful
theatre education charity which offers disadvantaged young people opportunities
to attend theatre in London. They have ‘free to join’ schemes like
#theatrelive4£5 for those aged between 15-18 in state education, great for
those studying creative subjects at school. For those in further performing
arts education and between 19-23 years, #WestEnd4£10 is for you. Families with
low income also have the opportunity to take part in #familyfirstnights with £5
tickets during Summer. This scheme is by referral and application and at least
has half of the family group must be made up of young people between ages 3-17,
well worth checking out the website for more details.
3. Masterclass – if you’re between 16-30 years old
why not sign up to become a member, it’s free to join ! They offer amazing
workshops and free tickets * (you might even be lucky enough to attend a press
night to a West End show!) Events do get booked up pretty quickly so make sure
to get in fast.
*an admin fee of £3 is usually payable
4. Royal Shakespeare Company - if you’re aged between
16-25 there is a £5 ticket offer for their productions in Stratford-upon-Avon
and London. Join the ‘RSC Key’ online for free and you’ll get access to this
and more.
5. National Theatre – another great 16-25 scheme, join for
free to access the ‘Entry Pass’ membership. You get discounts at their
bookshop, cafes, tours and more. You can also get access to workshops and £5
tickets to productions. For more details visit :
My local Cineworld is more expensive than my local theatre, the
New Wolsey…says a lot really. We cannot let down the generations to follow, the
young creatives of the future need inspiration and passion which quite often
starts through the wonder and magic of live performance.
Hx
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