Score big savings and perks with Theatre Royal’s ‘Loyal Royal’ Membership Drive

Become a 'Loyal Royal' and fuel the arts in Castlemaine.

The curtain is rising on this year’s ‘LOYAL ROYAL’ Membership Drive, and it’s not just a call; it’s an invitation to join the inner circle of Castlemaine’s cultural hub – the historic Theatre Royal.

For the 2023/24 season, Theatre Royal is making membership more affordable and more crucial than ever, offering a dazzling array of perks that will have arts enthusiasts rushing to sign up.

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here. 

 

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Throughout December, Theatre Royal is rolling out a generous 50% discount on nearly all membership types, for both individuals and businesses. The regular annual membership fee, a steal at $50 (down from $100), is designed to make the program accessible to all. According to Felicity Cripps, one of Theatre Royal’s owners, the reduced price aims to foster more community engagement and expand the Theatre Royal family.

“Loyal Royals get more than just discounted tickets and behind-the-scenes access,” says Cripps. “They become key players in preserving one of the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest continuously operating theatres.”

Maintaining this heritage-listed gem is no small feat, with overheads soaring higher than a West End production. A robust membership base empowers Theatre Royal to enhance the venue continuously, ensuring it remains Central Victoria’s premier destination for independent cinema and live music.

Theatre Royal holds a cherished spot in the hearts of Castlemainians, serving not only as one of Australia’s first “picture palaces” but also as a pulsating hub for the local artistic community. It has been a stage for silent movies, talkies, fundraisers, and community gatherings.

Thanks to the support of Loyal Royal Membership, Theatre Royal has achieved remarkable milestones, including:

• Installation of 100 new art deco cinema seats upstairs
• Hosting a Summer Series of free events in the beer garden with DJs and live bands
• Ongoing upgrades to outdoor structures and backstage areas
• Organising special events and fundraisers for local causes
• Supporting emerging musicians through the Castlemaine Battle of the Bands
• Hosting Pride events to champion the LGBTIQA+ community
• Showcasing film festivals like the Indigenous Film Festival, Coscars, and Melbourne International Film Festival, with discounted tickets for Loyal Royals.

Membership Levels and Perks:

1. Loyal Royals – $50:
   • Discounted cinema and event tickets all year round
   • LR membership card
   • Subscription to the exclusive Loyal Royal mailing list for behind-the-scenes updates
2. Business Loyal Royals – $150:
   • All Loyal Royals perks
   • Business logo featured on TR’s list of sponsors, cinema screen, website, and printed program
3. Ultimate Royalty – $150:
   • All benefits of Loyal Royals
   • VIP year-round discount of 15% at the Lola bottle shop
   • Five free cinema passes
4. Sponsor-a-seat – $225 (normally $550!):
   • All Loyal Royals perks
   • Gold plaque engraved with a name of choice on a newly refurbished, art-deco cinema seat
5. Business Sponsor – 1 YEAR CINEMA ADVERTISING – $1000 (normally $2000!):
   • All Business Loyal Royals perks
   • Business logo or advertisement (up to 45 seconds) featured on TR’s cinema reel before every film session for 12 months (Ad can change bi-monthly)

How to Join: Membership is available through the Theatre Royal website or directly at the box office.

Words by Staff Writer