Chapel & Theatre Appeals 2007-08
History
In August 1923, a school extension was proposed, to include a new wing with an assembly hall and art studio. The Eaton Block Theatre and Gymnasium was completed in 1925, with a stage and greenroom at one end and a studio above. The stage is based on a conventional proscenium arch theatre style.
History apparently tells us that our stage is based upon the famous Garrick Theatre in London, albeit on a slightly smaller scale!
The theatre at New Hall was last used for the performance of O What a Lovely War, in December 1986.
The Future
We are working to restore the theatre to its original state, drawing on the rich heritage of past generations and enhancing it with modern technology.
Benefits
The renovated theatre will be of great benefit to students across the whole school from Pre-Reception to Sixth Form, their families and the wider community. It will be the largest formal performance space in the school.
It will be used for school productions in the Preparatory and Senior School, for music concerts, assemblies, lectures and presentations. We hope that the local community will also benefit from its use during holiday times. If income is
generated from its hire, this will be invested back into the Performing Arts at New Hall for the direct benefit of the students.
Sponsor a Seat
To enhance the renovated theatre we hope, with your help, to be able to purchase raked seating. The New Hall Parents' Association has kindly offered to assist in the fundraising which will enable this to happen.
In order to be able to purchase the retractable raked seating (as shown on the back of this brochure) we are asking parents to sponsor a seat. For each seat that you sponsor a plaque will be engraved and mounted on the back of the seat, as a permanent recognition of your generosity.
There are only 210 seats available and our target is to gain sponsorship for each one. Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
To sponsor your seat please complete the attached form and return with your cheque made payable to "New Hall Parents' Association".
Download the form [here] [.pdf download]
For information about corporate sponsorship please contact Annabel Brown, Director of Marketing on 01245 467 588 or a.brown@newhallschool.co.uk.
NHPA
New Hall Parents' Association (NHPA) is very pleased to be participating in raising funds to purchase seating for the theatre renovation project at New Hall School.
By inviting parents and local businesses to donate to this project, NHPA hopes to foster interest and to encourage involvement from parents and students at New Hall and also from within the local community.
Fundraising for the theatre seating project meets one of the key aims of NHPA - to provide and assist in the provision of facilities for education at the school. Participating in the refurbishment of the school theatre also gives
NHPA the opportunity to help further the social and artistic life of the school, for the benefit of students and their parents.
Whilst raising sufficient funds will be challenging, NHPA is confident that a project of this nature will appeal to parents and local businesses. We would encourage all those who wish to make a donation to support the
development of this valuable educational and artistic facility for New Hall School.
Launched Exhibition Day 2007
Grand Opening Recital by Dame Gillian Weir Saturday, 14 June 2008
To download the Gift Aid Form & Concert Ticket Booking Form [click here] [.pdf download]
History
The New Hall organ was built by Norman and Beard in 1910 and is a fine example of their work in the English romantic tradition. For some 75 years the organ was an integral part of worship in the Chapel on a daily basis and many generations of students have fond memories of singing with its sympathetic support.
We now have the opportunity to rebuild the organ in order to provide an instrument that can be used for a wide variety of chapel services, accompanying concerts, recitals and for teaching.
The Future
The plan is to restore the best of the existing instrument in its present location, use elements of a contemporary Norman and Beard instrument to provide a nave division and to locate a 3 manual console in the bow currently occupied by the electronic instrument.
The work is being undertaken by the long-established firm of Bishop and Sons and is due for completion in time for a Grand Opening Recital to be given by one of the worlds leading organists, Dame Gillian Weir.
How you can help...
The project will cost in the region of £100,000. We are seeking to raise £50,000 and the school will match this funding. By sponsoring a pipe you will be helping to ensure that the New Hall Chapel Organ is enjoyed now and by future generations. All donations will be recorded in a book of donors. Donors of £1000 or more will receive two tickets to the opening recital and an invitation to the post-concert reception.
