Northern Stage Supporters Club

WHY DO WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT?  

TO MAKE THE ARTS ACCESSIBLE 

In the North East, rates of child poverty are some of the highest in the country (North East Child Poverty Commission) and Newcastle is a city with areas of significant deprivation, ranking 53rd (out of 326) of the country’s most deprived areas (Newcastle City Council). Growing up in poverty can have many effects on children’s mental and physical health. It can mean facing barriers to engagement in arts and culture in the North East, as well as difficulty accessing local training and skills development. 

In addition to high levels of poverty in the region, there are other barriers that may prevent people from engaging with theatre, including: language and cultural barriers, social isolation, and transport costs – all of which can severely limit opportunities to take part with the arts.We know that the region has some of the lowest cultural engagement in England, with just 9% of theatre audiences coming from global majority or linguisitically diverse backgrounds. But through our community work and Welcome Project, we are able to connect with underserved groups in the arts and make theatre a place for everyone. 

Your support will help us to offer free and subsidised tickets to see shows for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it, through community projects that reach groups underserved in the arts, and young people’s programmes which we offer subsidised and bursary places for to help break barriers preventing individuals from engaging with theatre. 

TO MAKE EXCITING NEW THEATRE 

The work we do is deeply shaped by the region and its people. We create, collaborate on, and support powerful theatre and projects that reaches audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.  

The productions we are a part of are designed to be bold, relevant, inclusive, and engaging. By supporting us, you will be a part of the creation of theatre that provokes curiosity, helps us understand the world around us, creates a sense of belonging, and has a lasting impact. 

TO NURTURE TALENT 

The North East accounts for just 3% of the UK’s theatre assets at 90, whilst London has 20% with 599 theatres (UK Theatre, 2023). The lack of opportunity to engage with and work in the arts in the North East often drives local talent out of the region. At Northern Stage, our vision is to become a leading force in helping to make the North East a vibrant hub for theatre creation, performance, and participation.  

Through your support, we can run young people’s programmes and artistic development projects that help us to create opportunities and retain talent in the region. 

We believe in the power of theatre as a tool for change. It can bring communities together, positively impact our wellbeing, help us to understand the world we live in, provoke curiosity and inspire creativity.