Reading Rep’s ENGAGE programme has a reputation for excellence.
We offer long-term and bespoke projects for diverse partners throughout Reading and the surrounding area. We inspire creativity and self expression to those who have least access to the arts. By working closely with our partners we tailor a bespoke programme that best fits the unique needs of the users. We are flexible and work to incorporate the needs and requirements of the group with whom we are collaborating.
Most of our work happens at our partners’ premises; however we also have space that can be used at our site on Kings Road. As well as free drama sessions, we will also offer partners free tickets for Reading Rep productions, and specialist workshops around the themes and content of the show. As we receive funding from charitable trusts to run this programme, we rigorously evaluate our projects to ensure that they are the best that they can be.
If you are interested in becoming an ENGAGE partner, please contact Associate Director Christie O’Carroll at [email protected]
We have worked with the following groups:
We were very impressed with the professionalism of Reading Rep and the way they tailored the workshop to ensure the women were engaged. We believe the sessions offered a fun, refreshing and creative opportunity to enhance the women’s individual support needs.
Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Alana House
There are many benefits of drama sessions. Our client group is considered to be difficult to reach and often difficult to engage. Reading Rep staff have been amazing facilitators and it is thanks to them and their skills that the project has been a success. Drama sessions have helped residents of the hostel to form better relationships with each other and provided them with alternative ways of dealing with stress, difficult emotions, lack of confidence and creative outlet.
Offender Supervisor, Elizabeth Fry
The Reading Rep facilitator was very good at including all the residents that had attended each workshop and had new ideas. The workshop gave a very different activity for the residents, getting them thinking and having fun participating with lots of reminiscences.
Centre Manager, Abbeyfield Reading Care Home
The encouragement between clients as well as from staff and tutors is absolutely invaluable in building confidence and self-esteem. Clients have been talking about the class during the week and we are really excited and hopeful that we can keep the momentum going.
Volunteer Coordinator Launchpad
Without the very generous support of our funders we would not be able to deliver these important and wide reaching projects. ENGAGE is kindly supported by ACT Foundation The Allen Lane Foundation, Awards For All, Children In Need, Earley Charity, Ernest Cook Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Hilden Charitable Fund, The Ironmongers Foundation, Lloyds Foundation, The Morrisons Foundation and Turners Court