Much Ado About Shakespeare
Fundraising to support Canterbury high school students to see Much Ado about Nothing performed live at The Isaac Theatre Royal.
Christchurch, Canterbury
Top Dog Theatre performed Shakespeare in the beautiful grounds of Mona Vale for 17 years, before being approached by the Isaac Theatre Royal (ITR) to perform Shakespeare under the magnificent dome of this stunning heritage building.
Since moving to the ITR in 2021, Top Dog have run a School Matinee program. Our goal is for ALL Canterbury high school students to be able to experience Shakespeare ... ticket prices have been kept as low as possible ($15 per seat for students, teachers, supporting adults). We have provided buses for schools who couldn't afford transport.
These generous donors have supported over 480 students to come to the shows:
* 2021 - 280 free seats / buses for 140 students arrived by free buses
* 2022 - 203 free seats and buses to get 70 students to A Midsummer Night's Dream
To fund this program, we have reached out to friends and contacts for donations. This year, we've decided to setup a Givealittle page to make that process easier.
Director, Derek Doddington, consulted with schools about which play to perform this year ... Much Ado About Nothing was selected. Many schools will be using this a part of their NCEA curriculum. Top Dog provides a comprehensive Education Pack to support this.
Tickets for Much Ado About Nothing are on sale through Ticketek. Tickets for the School Matinees are booked through Top Dog Theatre, contact doddington@xtra.co.nz.
Top Dog Theatre's involvement (page creator)
Top Dog Theatre want to support as many students as possible to experience live Shakespeare under the dome in the magnificent Theatre Royal.
About us
Top Dog Theatre was founded in 2002 by UK born actor/director Derek Doddington. Derek has over 40 years experience in the theatre, having previously co-founded the Dolce Vita Theatre company in the UK.
It is this vast experience which gives Derek the confidence to keep stretching himself, as well as those around him. Although, he is also quick to stress the importance of a totally reliable, capable, and dedicated crew. These ingredients allowed the presentation of two remarkable and successful shows during 2003, West and Equus, and earned Top Dog Theatre the award for Best Small Theatre Company for 2003.
Top Dog then entered the world of open-air theatre, finding the Mound Lawn within the majestic gardens of Mona Vale as the perfect setting. The lawn has a slope on each side, with a small stream separating two grassy banks. The audience sit on one side of the lawn whilst the actors perform on the other side.
Top Dog Theatre has been performing a winter season at The Isaac Theatre Royal since 2021.
In 2017, Derek Doddington received the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to theatre.
Top Dog Theatre is an Incorporated Society (CH/1295401) and Registered Charity CC32304.
Use of funds
Fund raised will pay for seats ($15 per seat) and buses to transport students to the show. Any amount helps: $15=1 student, $150=10 students, $1500=100 students.
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