RSC develops £5 ticket scheme
19 February 2013
BP to become Project Partner
BP was today announced as the Project Partner for the Royal Shakespeare Company's £5 ticket scheme* for 16 – 25 year olds. The scheme, which has sold over 97,000 tickets since its launch in 2004, gives access to £5 tickets for all RSC productions whether the Company is performing in Stratford-upon-Avon, London or on tour and gives more young people the chance to be inspired by live theatre.
This renewed partnership follows on from BP's support of the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival as Founding Presenting Partner, and will help the RSC's aim to develop its 16-25 year old audience over the coming year.
Catherine Mallyon, RSC Executive Director, said,
'Encouraging young people to get the theatre-going habit is a real passion of ours and we're very pleased that our membership scheme for young people, the RSC Key, already has 6,700 members. Over the last eight years, our £5 tickets for 16 – 25 year olds have been a great success, giving access to our work in all locations with over 97,000 tickets sold. BP's support will help us to develop this further.
'We want to inspire the next generation and encourage them to engage early with arts and culture. We know that price is often a barrier for this age group so the ticket offer addresses this and the RSC Key membership scheme gives those interested a window into the workings of the Company and what it is like to work in theatre.
'Our hope is that not only will young people become lifelong theatre attenders, but will also think about theatre as a possible career choice once they understand the many roles available backstage and front-of-house, as well as on the stage.
'Following the success of BP's support of the World Shakespeare Festival last year, I'm delighted that our partnership will continue with support for our £5 ticket scheme.'
Des Violaris, Director UK Arts & Culture, BP
'We are pleased to extend our support for the RSC by enabling more young people to engage with and enjoy live theatre at a reduced cost. Our partnership with the RSC is a direct legacy from BP's support of the London 2012 Festival.'
Sita Thomas, student at Warwick University, said of the £5 tickets,
'As a student I couldn't afford to go regularly to the theatre, but this scheme means I am able to visit as often as I like. Coming to the RSC has fuelled my passion for theatre, made me more determined and focussed in my career path and has been a bountiful source of live theatrical experience that aids my study at university, as well as being an excellent night out.'
Ends
For further information contact jane.ellis@rsc.org.uk 07966 295 032 or liz.thompson@rsc.org.uk 07717 297181.
Notes to Editors:
*The BP partnership does not include the 16 – 25 year old £5 tickets available for Matilda The Musical at The Cambridge Theatre.
Information about the RSC £5 ticket scheme
Anyone aged 16 – 25 years can buy a £5 ticket, which are held off sale for each performance in every location. These tickets can be booked in advance on the phone, online or in person with some held off for sale on the day of the performance. In 2011/12 the RSC sold 13,450 £5 tickets in Stratford-upon-Avon and across the UK.
Information about BP
BP is a major supporter of the arts in the UK. In 2011 BP announced it is investing almost £10 million in extending its long term partnerships with the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Opera House, and Tate Britain over the next five years. Taken together, these agreements represent one of the most significant long-term corporate investments in UK arts and culture.