York Theatre Royal asks audiences to pledge ahead
York Theatre Royal is launching Pledge Ahead, a new initiative asking audiences and the wider community to support the theatre by buying vouchers now, which can later be exchanged for theatre tickets when the building re-opens.
Executive Director Tom Bird said: “Lots of people have been asking what they can do to help the theatre at this critical time. By pledging ahead our audiences can continue to support us while our building is closed and look forward to using their vouchers as soon as we are able to re-open our doors and welcome everyone back.”
89% of York Theatre Royal’s annual income is generated through selling tickets and from associated revenue streams including the bars and café, from the tens of thousands of people who come through the theatre’s doors every year.
Since the theatre was forced to close in March it has reduced its costs significantly. Last month, following a period of staff consultations, following a period of staff consultations, 7 members of staff opted for voluntary redundancy and a further 9 roles across all areas of the theatre’s business were made redundant – that’s 1/3rd of the theatre’s permanent staff team.
Many more staff have taken cuts in hours and wages to ensure the theatre survives.
This week York Theatre Royal will also be handing back the De Grey Rooms, which it has rented from York Conservation Trust for the past 11 years. The theatre’s popular costume hire business will be re-located and will re-open in January.
Tom said, “We have been forced to take some very difficult cost saving decisions. It has been a devastating time for everyone involved but the theatre will survive and we are now looking ahead and planning for the future.”
York Theatre Royal recently announced that they would be taking their Travelling Pantomime on the road this year, visiting all 21 wards in the city.
For more details about Pledge Ahead at York Theatre Royal visit the theatres website yorktheatreroyal.co.uk