Theatre seeks angels to ensure future

The Darlinghurst Theatre Company — the 2011 Mardi Gras Festival’s theatre partner — is calling for angels for its annual Darlo Angels appeal.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company development manager Alex Barber said donors to the Darlo Angels program were a vital part of the company’s success.

“The Darlo Angels program has been running for three years at the theatre, and it has three levels of support,” Barber said.

Without the program and government grants, the theatre would need to charge more than $100 a ticket to keep its doors open.

“Darlo Angels support us by donating $100 or more, Darlo Believers support us by donating $500 or more and then we’ve got Darlo Guardians who support us by donating $1000 or more,” Barber said.

“We’re a not-for-profit business so any money we make goes back into the theatre and our shows. We’re here to support independent artists. All the donations go towards our artist programs, and they’re also tax deductible because we have Deductible Gift Recipient status.”

Donors’ names are prominently displayed in the theatre’s foyer and on its website and donors receive supporter e-newsletters.

Since 2001, the company has nurtured and supported the visions of more than 1100 Australian artists, and staged more than 120 shows. It takes pride in being an intimate space where people can discover the power of live theatre and its vast possibilities.

Darlinghurst Theatre has hosted many productions with gay and lesbian themes and characters.

“This year we had a show that was incorporated into the Mardi Gras Festival which was Jane Austen’s Guide to Pornography, and that is the second time we’ve participated in that way,” Barber said.

People interested in becoming a Darlo Angel, Believer or Guardian can make donations to the Darlinghurst Theatre Trust through the theatre’s website, or print out a donation form which they can return by mail, or call the theatre to make a donation by credit card.

info: Contact Alex on 02 9331 3107 or [email protected]