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ARTS&LEISURE
208
November14
For the second year, Singapore
is participating in the worldwide
Giving Tuesday campaign
on 2 December, a global day
dedicated to giving back.
T
he movement, which started in
the US in 2012 and has since
spread to countries such as
Canada, Australia, Israel, the UK
and Mexico – and is supported by the
United Nations Foundation – is all about
encouraging individuals, businesses and
non-profits to give their time, money or
even just their voices to a cause. Among
the 200 local partners and causes to
choose from is
Singapore Repertory
Theatre’s Student Education Fund
(SRTSEF)
, which aims to help nurture
the next generation of creative minds
and performers by encouraging a more
well-rounded and knowledgeable society.
As one of Asia’s leading English-
l a ngu age t h e a t re c ompa n i e s ,
the Singapore Repertory Theatre
(SRT) provides a platform on which
Singaporeans and expats alike can
experience the richness of theatre
and culture. This also extends to
young children from all socioeconomic
backgrounds.
In fact, the SRTSEF was conceived
in 2012 with the goal of reaching young
people who may not otherwise have
the opportunity to come to the theatre.
Through the Fund, corporations and
private individuals have the opportunity to
give children from finanacially challenged
families an unforgettable experience of
the magic of theatre. Since its inception,
the SRTSEF has benefited over 3,000
kids, and has also put on teacher
workshops in an effort to encourage
more drama in the classroom.
For this year’s Giving Tuesday, SRT is
inviting donations to the Fund, which will
fully subsidise tickets to any production
Donate to SRTSEF at
give2arts.sg
.
Additionally, “Giving Stations” in which
people can pledge or donate will be
erected on Orchard Road and in Raffles
Place. For more on the Giving Tuesday
campaign, visit givingtuesday.sg.
By Amy Greenburg
by the SRT Group. It will also cover
transport costs for students, as needed,
to and from the performance venue. The
goal is to give each child the opportunity
to enjoy a theatrical experience that’s
not just entertaining but inspiring as well.
“We think this is a wonderful initiative
to encourage more engagement in the
non-profit sector,” says SRT executive
director, Charlotte Nors. “Singaporeans
are ver y generous donors and
volunteerism is strong here, but often it’s
in support of religious, disaster relief or
educational organisations. This initiative
will hopefully inspire people to support
other charities that serve the community
in different ways.”
Of course, donations are welcome
throughout the year – not just on Giving
Tuesday. “We serve students from less
privileged homes and organisations all
year round,” says Charlotte. “But what
a lovely idea to make one day all about
giving – creating a buzz and bringing
out the best creative ideas to stimulate
donations.”
Some of the exciting performances
that these young people will get to
experience in 2015 include
Goldilocks
and the Three Bears (Mandarin)
,
The
Three Billy Goats Gruff
,
The Cat in the
Hat
and a year-end musical staged by
SRT’s The Little Company. The donated
funds will also be made available for
students to enjoy Shakespeare in the
Park –
The Tempest
– which will be
performed next May.
THE GIFT OF THEATRE