New Theatre Royal launch ‘New Motion’ campaign for Big Give Christmas Challenge
Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal have launched a new fundraising campaign as part of this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge match-funding drive.
They’re aiming to raise £32,360 to form a new in-house dance and drama company for those aged over 55, named New Motion, based in the theatre’s new Creative Learning studio, named after the late film director Anthony Minghella.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge supports UK-registered charities to raise funds for their projects by doubling donations when the campaign goes live on Tuesday 29th November.
Development Director for the New Theatre Royal, Fiona Wilson, said: “There is a lack of creative opportunity for those aged over 55 in the local area.
“We know participation in the arts contributes to mental and physical well-being but funding for this area is limited. New Motion will prioritise regular contemporary dance and drama classes, workshops and performance opportunities for this vibrant age group.”
If successful, the money will be used to create a programme specifically designed for mature artists that includes free taster sessions, weekly workshops, and professional drama and dance practitioners.
The campaign has been given a big boost from local businesses and the New Theatre Royal’s partner Snows Motor Group, who kick-started the campaign with a generous £8,000 pledge which has been matched by the Postcode Support Trust.
Snows Motor Group in Portsmouth supported a number of the New Theatre Royal’s fundraising events in recent years before becoming an official corporate partner in October 2015.
Group Managing Director at Snows Motor Group, Mark Trapani, commented: “Working in partnership with New Theatre Royal has presented so many opportunities for Snows Group and we love being involved with such a forward thinking and creative institution.
“From the very beginning of our relationship, when we sponsored the three Raucous events including the longest guitar ensemble with Chesney Hawkes to the 80 hour nonstop comedy show and the spectacular MINI Clubman launch party, the theatre has been fantastic at making our visions come to life and we’re looking forward to a long future with them.”
Local residents and businesses can donate through the New Theatre Royal website » between 12:00pm noon on Tuesday 29th November and 12:00pm noon on Thursday 1st December.