One of the leaders at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre is stepping out to raise thousands of pounds to help support his creative work with young people.
Steve Ball, associate director at The REP, will walk 116 miles from theatre all the way to Leicester Square in the heart of the London’s West End.
His ‘Step for the Rep’ mission will be completed over seven days with an initial fundraising target of £4,000.
Steve said: “In my role at The REP, I am lucky enough to oversee the theatre’s renowned work with children and young people.
“During this unprecedented time of closure, The REP has continued to find new ways to continue delivering a wide-reaching programme of important and engaging work with both local and national communities.
“By taking on this challenge, I hope to raise funds which will go towards supporting this vital work whilst also raising awareness of the plight and importance of our region’s theatres at a time when performances, the main source of income, are not permitted to go ahead.”
Steve’s walk starts outside The REP on Saturday 22 August, and he aims to arrive in Leicester Square on Friday 28 August, where he will be joined for the final leg by Sean Foley, The REP’s artistic director.
The REP’s creative learning programme is one of the largest in the UK, engaging over 70,000 children, young people and adults in the community every year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, The REP has sought to continue as many of its projects with young people as possible, taking activities online and providing vital support for participants.
But as a producing theatre, The REP generates 80% of its income through tickets, events and other revenue such as food and drink sales.
The closure due to the current crisis has therefore presented a real and imminent threat to its survival and fundraising has never been more crucial. For more information on Step For The REP and to make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steveballuk.
By Steve Dyson
