Open rehearsals trialled at Sheffield Theatres

Sheffield Theatres has launched a ‘Public Dress Rehearsal’ scheme to raise funds. Members of the public will be invited to watch the final dress rehearsal of a performance for a minimum donation of £1. The initiative – which Sheffield Theatres suggested to AP is the first of its kind in the country – intends to raise £7k within its first year.

Under current plans the show’s director has the final say on whether the rehearsal is opened, after considering the technical requirements of the production, and tickets are made available on the day. Sheffield Theatres told AP that the inaugural open rehearsal on Thursday saw “very generous support” from a “very mixed audience”, emphasising the accessibility of the performance for those on a lower income. The organisation indicated too that it hoped the initiative would raise awareness of the other funding drives by the organisation, such as text and in-person donations.

Claire Murray, Communications & Fundraising Director, said: “The final dress rehearsal is a great opportunity to see the creation of a show in its final stages. We hope that our audiences will give more than £1 for their tickets to enjoy this unique occasion and help support the Theatres.”