Giving Tuesday: Donate today and join a global movement
There are so many ways you can support us this charitable season
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity. Recognised in over 60 countries, this gives you a chance to make a difference by becoming part of the Globe’s story as a supporter, funding the activities that make us who we are: from the fabrics that make our costumes to the young peoples’ programmes that introduce the next generation to Shakespeare.
As a charity, our supporters are crucial to everything we do and we want to acknowledge them, which is why you have the opportunity to have a long-lasting show of your support with a place on our Signature Wall. Seen by thousands of visitors each year, our Signature Wall gives you the chance to have your name amongst those of Dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth Taylor and Sir Mark Rylance as a supporter of the Globe.
Whether to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, honour a life, or gift to someone special, this is your chance to have the name of yourself or a loved one on display as a testament to your generosity. Read on for a word from our Honorary President, Zoë Wanamaker CBE, about the importance of giving:
Zoë Wanamaker, CBE, Honorary President of Shakespeare’s Globe. Photographer: Jillian Edelstein.
As I write, Shakespeare’s Globe has been up and running since 1997, and many thousands of people, young and old, from all over the world, attend plays, exhibitions, events, courses and workshops every year. Even my father, Sam Wanamaker, might not have foreseen the huge success and popularity Shakespeare’s Globe has enjoyed.
And that success would not have been possible without our supporters. Gifts – however big or small, whether they be a donation or a signature on our Signature Wall – not only fund our productions and outreach work but inspire others to give.
You are helping make history.
With heartfelt thanks!
Yours sincerely,
Zoë Wanamaker
The potential of your donation knows no bounds and could support a range of initiatives from the productions at our heart to our crucial education work. It could also enable a student to take part in our Globe Youth Theatre, a programme of weekly drama workshops for young people hungry to engage with acting and performance. The unique programme gives them the chance to work closely with the Globe’s experienced actors and directors, equipping aspiring performers the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
103 children took part in 2023, including a group of bursary students who did not pay the usual fees. One of these students, Kaisen, credits GYT for getting him out of his comfort zone and improving his confidence and says his favourite part of the programme is the variety of people he has met.
“They all make the experience really unique and special. I go to an all-boys school and I don’t get to meet that many people apart from the people I go to school with. Even after I leave Globe Youth Theatre, I know I’ve met so many new friends I’m going to cherish for the rest of my life. The experiences I’ve had with my friends here have been amazing.”
Kaisen, Bursary Student in the 14-16 age group
Led on-site at Shakespeare’s Globe by experienced, professional actors and directors, Youth Theatre members finish their programme with a showcase in our theatres. Photographer: Pete Le May.
Your donation could allow a student to immerse themselves in the work of Shakespeare and, at the end of the term, showcase what they have learnt in front of friends and family in one of the Globe’s unique playing spaces.
Students like Piper, who since being at Globe Youth Theatre, has gained a place at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, shows how GYT’s impact goes beyond the walls of our wooden ‘O’.
“GYT has really challenged me to think differently about making theatre. It has shown me loads of creative ways to make the world of the play come alive and interrogating text in other than visual ways.”
Piper, Bursary Student in the 17-19 age group
Members of our Youth Theatre (in the golden masks) taking part in our Globe First Folio Gala on 8 November 2023 alongside the legendary Simon Russell-Beale, just an example of the many opportunities available to our Youth Theatre members. Photographer: Pete Le May.
As the Globe receives no regular government funding and relies on the generosity of supporters, we need your help to continue our work and enable children like Kaisen and Piper to keep accessing our workshops and experience the transformative power of Shakespeare.
“You great benefactors, sprinkle our society with thankfulness. For your own gifts, make yourselves praised.”
Timon of Athens, Act 3, scene vi.
There are plenty of other ways to support us, including as a Member, where you will be at the heart of everything we do with Priority Booking, exclusive insights from casts and creatives, and discounts at the shop and the Swan. Join today as a Friend from £5 a month or play an even bigger part as a Patron for access to sold out shows and exclusive events.
What we do is not possible without our supporters, so thank you to all our current Members and donors who have given in 2024.
