REP Trustees get a fright at the ‘Scar Bar’

Birmingham theatre goers are in for a fright this Halloween at The REP as it gears up for a spooky season of fun.

In preparation for the brand new stage production of The Exorcist, The REP's Board of Trustees have been creating some terrifying fun of their own by taking part in the theatre's 'Scar Bar' workshop. Led by theatre, film and TV make-up artist Andrew Whiteoak, the 'Scar Bar' offered trustees the chance to learn professional techniques and how to create the most ghastly grazes and wicked wounds in the business.

The 'Scar Bar' is one of a range of innovative team building and training workshops that The REP is currently offering to the business community and event bookers in the city. Having just been named as Birmingham's events and conferencing 'Venue Of The Year', The REP offers a range of exciting opportunities to the corporate sector including show sponsorship, corporate membership and exclusive client entertainment.

The REP's Chair, Angela Maxwell said; “The scar bar is an excellent way to team build, it is fun and out of the comfort zone. We are a dynamic and ambitious Board and enjoy the roles we have, by sampling something new we have a greater sense of one another and how best to play to our strengths. The REP is Birmingham's theatre making hub and we continue to push the boundaries of education, inclusion and entertainment”.

As a registered charity, The REP relies on the support of individual donors, businesses and trusts to continue its work both on and off stage. Sadly the organisation has not been immune to the recent extensive cuts in public arts funding. Since 2010 The REP has experienced a 60% cut in its City Council grant. In such a challenging climate, it is vital for the theatre to have the support of a proactive and passionate Board.

REP Trustee Paul Phedon from Gungho said; “I'm very proud to be on the board of The REP and I am continually inspired by the highly talented team that drives it forward and the fantastic storytelling and theatrical moments that it creates that can enrich our lives.”

Another of the enthusiastic participants was head of Pinsent Masons in Birmingham, Greg Lowson, who said; “The REP has a diverse and effective Board that is well placed to deal with the financial challenges and commercial and creative opportunities facing the theatre. Products like the 'scar bar' are an example of commercial opportunities that The REP must exploit to the full. The REP deservedly has a first class reputation and it is a pleasure being on its Board“.

The REP has recently appointed a number of Trustees; Lorna Laidlaw, Actor, Writer and Director, Prof David Roberts, Birmingham City University, Amerah Saleh, Spoken Word Artist and Liz James from Berwick Partners. Speaking of her new position, Liz said: “The REP occupies a unique place in the cultural and economic life of Birmingham and the West Midlands as a whole. Being a Board Member offers a singular opportunity to contribute towards the richness of the arts offering and indeed the operation of a fantastic venue. 

“Recent press coverage has highlighted Birmingham's growing presence as THE destination outside of London; The REP is undoubtedly part of this success story and its involvement with the breadth of the conurbation's communities should be celebrated.”

With the season's spookiest holiday on the horizon, a new stage production of the The Exorcist is running from the 21 October - 5 November 2016.  Fans of all things horror can also take part in a unique theatrical experience called 'Séance' which is taking place in a shipping container in front of The REP until the 29 October.

The REP is one of the most renowned theatres in the history of the English stage and as the City's only producing theatre is a gem in the cultural landscape of Birmingham. The theatre produces over 60 productions on its 3 stages every year and its acclaimed community engagement programme is the largest of its kind in Birmingham. 

To find out more about The REP's theatrical corporate workshops and partnership opportunities please contact Rachel Cranny on 0121 245 2163 or email rachel.cranny@birmingham-rep.co.uk.

The Directors of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre Limited are: Johanne Clifton, Mark Goucher, Guy Hemington, Liz James, Cllr Narinder Kaur Kooner, Lorna Laidlaw, Greg Lowson, Angela Maxwell (Chair), Paul Phedon, Prof David Roberts, Amerah Saleh, Cllr Gary Sambrook and Prof Michael Whitby.

Images: Gil Gillis ARPS