Our work
From nurturing a new generation of theatre professionals to improving the fabric of our historic building, trusts and foundations fund a diverse range of projects at The Old Vic. Their charitable donations have been crucial to the creation of learning opportunities both for the young and young at heart, as well as securing our working environment.
Below are a few examples that demonstrate the breadth of work that has been supported by trusts and foundations.
If you would like to learn more about how your trust or foundation can get involved, please contact:
Victoria Burton, Associate Director, Trusts and Foundations, victoria.burton@oldvictheatre.com or 020 7981 0987
EMERGING THEATRE PROFESSIONALS
We believe that a career in theatre should be an option for anyone, from any background. Through mentoring, workshops with industry leading professionals and paid work placements, we empower the next generation of theatre workers and makers to pursue their creative ambitions.
From introductory courses to residencies, our programmes provide accessible and inclusive pathways for career development, tailored to individuals at various stages of their careers. These include Baylis Director, OV Backstage and OV Theatre Makers.
‘This was one of the most valuable educational experiences I have ever had in the arts… The team at The Old Vic go above and beyond in every sense of the word to ensure your development personally and professionally.’ OV Theatre Makers participant
REACHING NEW AUDIENCES
We are passionate about unlocking creative imagination in people of all ages and encouraging children to begin a lifelong journey with theatre. In addition to our Education & Community programmes, we commission productions for families for our stage and take our work out into the community.
WORKING WITH SCHOOLS
Education and Employability Skills Training
We seek to support young people to reach their potential, whether they choose to pursue a career in this industry or another. Wherever we can, we want to positively impact on their employability potential and wellbeing, offering educational opportunities, encouragement and support towards those from low-income backgrounds. We do this through our Education and Community programmes such as Schools Club and Take the Lead.
MAKING THEATRE ACCESSIBLE
Welcoming and Accessible to All
We aim to be welcoming and accessible and we are committed to making a visit to the theatre as easy and enjoyable as possible, despite the challenges of our Grade II* listed building. We strive to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors can have the same memorable and rewarding experience.
We host accessible performances for every production in our Season as well as touch tours and we also offer a free Access Membership.
BUILDING ACCESS
Over the past five years, we have undertaken major improvement works in The Old Vic’s auditorium, Front of House and Back of House spaces, significantly enhancing physical access throughout the theatre. These upgrades include increasing the number of wheelchair spaces in the auditorium, installing platform lifts both Front and Back of House, creating step-free access to the stage, and new provision of accessible dressing rooms.
Scheduled to open in late 2025, the new Backstage building is the first ever onsite expansion of The Old Vic’s footprint. Designed as a centre for inclusive education, this fully accessible building will include new learning spaces for our communities as well as connect with the main theatre, improving step-free access for staff and creative teams.
