Theatre on the lookout for sponsorships to support 20th anniversary stage production

The Alexandra theatre is on the lookout for sponsors to help cover additional costs involved in its production of the West Side Story, marking 20 years of its annual youth theatre programme.

The programme – named as Stage Experience – brings budding performers and theatre technicians from across the Midlands to present the West Side Story.

For the first time in the history of the programme and to mark the anniversary year, The Alex hopes to bring a full orchestra to the stage – and is now seeking sponsors to help cover the additional costs associated with this.

Taking inspiration from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is one of the greatest love stories of all time, featuring an incredible score that includes Tonight, I Feel Pretty, Maria and America.

Stage Experience offers a platform for young people in and around Birmingham to showcase their skills and experience a busy rehearsal process in a professional theatre, putting on a full-scale production in just two weeks.

Previous participants have gone on to achieve incredibly successful careers in the industry, securing roles in Wicked, Dreamgirls and more productions.

Solihull-based business, WIN Logistics Group Ltd, is on board to support this anniversary performance, providing financial support to individuals who may not otherwise be able to access the project.

Nick Winder, group managing director of WIN Logistics group said: “We are thrilled to be working with The Alexandra as they mark 20 years of Stage Experience with a dazzling production of West Side Story this August.

“This project is a great opportunity for emerging talent to gain valuable industry experience and we are delighted to be sponsoring five participants for this year's show.”

The Alexandra is now seeking additional sponsors to bring their vision of having a full orchestra to life.

Co-producer of Stage Experience, Vicki Ellery-Slevin said: “To mark this special year of Stage Experience we would love to fulfil our ambition of having a full orchestra play the glorious West Side Story score.

“If we successfully secure sponsorship, this would be the first time in the history of our much-loved project that we could work with a full complement of musicians and is an exciting prospect for all of our participants.”

For more information including sponsorship opportunities, contract sarahmccarthy@atgentertainment.com

Pictured: Nick Winder (WIN Logistics) with cast members from Stage Experience's 2024 production of The Sound of Music