SUNDERLAND EMPIRE NAME

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST

AS NOMINATED CHARITY FOR 2025

 

Photo: Creative Learning Showcase

 

Sunderland Empire has thrilled to announce that after a phenomenal year of fundraising over £21,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, their nominated charity for 2025 will be Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust.

 

Since the theatre’s charity panel launched in 2023, Sunderland Empire have selected one local North East charity who will be their main focus for fundraising annually. Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust, a not-for-profit charity, enables the theatre’s award-winning Creative Learning team to deliver a programme which educates through engagement, unlocking the potential of local communities and schools, with the aim of increasing access to performing arts. The charity’s important work engages with and empowers people of all abilities, ages, genders, races and socio-economic backgrounds.

 

Funds donated to the Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust ensure that the Creative Learning team can continue to deliver a vibrant programme reflective of the ever-changing cultural and educational landscape responsive to the local needs of Sunderland.

 

Just some recent work provided by the Creative Learning team includes leading weekly workshops with diverse groups such as Bright Minds Youth Theatre (a vibrant and inclusive group for neurodiverse young people between 12 and 18), Movers (a ballet and Contemporary Dance class for adults over 55s), Community Chorus, Connect Theatre Company (an inclusive theatre group for adults with additional needs) and more. Collaboration with schools on creative projects, working with touring theatre performances and engaging Sunderland communities to stage a full production with The National Theatre have also been key elements in the charity’s programme over the past year.

 

Sunderland Empire’s charity panel will work together with Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust to plan special organised events throughout the year which the local community will be able to participate in as well as staff-based fundraising events. Funds will also be collected via buckets and QR codes throughout 2025 and Panto season for any generous patrons who would like to donate.

 

Donations will help to provide the local community with everything from paid for places for a local child to join Sunderland Empire’s performing arts academy, supporting them to thrive and grow their personal skills, to paying for a full academic year delivering workshops, projects, theatre visits and working alongside industry professionals and Wearside schools. Money raised will also contribute to an Annual Showcase which allows all participants from weekly workshops to celebrate their journey on stage performing in front of their families and friends.

 

A parent of a Bright Minds Youth Theatre member said: ‘Before joining Bright Minds, she really struggled. She has autism and would often feel overwhelmed in situations. She was selective mute, and we didn’t know what we could do to help her. In the last show she did, she had a speaking part, and we couldn’t believe how confidently she was speaking on stage in front of that audience – we never thought it would happen. This is the power of what you do, and we are so grateful.’

 

Co-chairs of the Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust Sharon Appleby and John Mowbray added: ‘We are absolutely thrilled that Sunderland Empire has chosen our charity as its Charity of the Year. This incredible partnership is a unique opportunity to bring our shared vision to life- ensuring Sunderland's communities have access to the very best in creative arts, hosted in one of the country's most iconic venues. We look forward to working closely with the talented team at Sunderland Empire to raise vital funds and make a lasting impact together.’