Tim Bray Theatre Company needs your help!

Due to the cost of living crisis, economic difficulties, rising operational and production costs, and funding cuts, Tim Bray Theatre Company faces significant challenges in maintaining their current level of work in the coming years.

The recent closure of two prominent children's theatres in New Zealand highlights the underfunding of children's theatre.

Tim Bray Theatre Company aims to build confidence, creativity, and imagination in children and teenagers through theatre. Since 1991, they have provided top-class theatre and drama classes to hundreds of thousands of children and families in Tamaki Makaurau.

Their mission is to make theatre accessible to all children and families, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, or socioeconomic background. They offer NZSL, Audio Described, and Sensory Relaxed performances, and drama classes for autistic and neurodivergent children and teens.

Each year, over 35,000 people attend their shows and participate in workshops and classes. The Gift a Seat® programme secures funding for scholarships, allowing children to attend shows for free. In 2023, 7,441 children attended their shows for free.

Despite the donations and funding, operational costs remain high. Expenses include show licenses, designers, technicians, lighting and sound setup, truck hire, accessibility costs, venue hire, costumes, and actor fees.

Tim Bray, QSM, Artistic Director, invites support for their vision to provide theatre access to current and future generations. Skills developed through performing arts contribute to New Zealand’s future in various fields like medicine, science, and engineering.

To learn more about the “Theatre For All Appeal” and to donate, visit: Theatre For All Appeal

*The Theatre For All Appeal runs until 31 May 2024.

Listen to Tim Bray discuss the challenges: Tim Bray on 95bFM