In an attempt to raise extra funds towards the cost of the production, and give local companies and individuals a chance to get more involved, the company offers the chance to sponsor individual characters for a suggested donation of £60. 

Shining Lights Youth Theatre is a performance-based theatre company resident at New Greenham Arts and proudly supported by The Corn Exchange, Newbury.  The sponsorship scheme is one of several ideas to raise money for Shining Lights 10th Birthday celebrations in 2009. In return for their cash, sponsors get a credit in the programme alongside the characters they are helping to fund and the opportunity to attend the show. 

The leading roles of Beauty and the Beast have been snapped up by Intelemarketing (formally known as CGA, Newbury's leading Business Development Company), who are proud to be sponsoring the lead characters of the Beast and Beauty. Colin Godfrey, Managing Director, has history with Shining Lights, as being the brain child behind the youth theatre company and says 'Supporting the local community with such a worthy project is part of our ethos. We help corporate and local companies find new business opportunities, and we want to help Shining Lights too.' (If you want to find out more about Intelemarketing, call Gareth Mills on 01635 582822). 

The production is also sponsored by Print it Large. A large format printers based in reading, which specialize in exhibition graphics, Canvas Printing and Poster Printing. David Bearman from Print it Large said " I will be running a promotion on the week of Beauty and The Beast where we are offering 20% off all orders, and free delivery on multiple purchases. Just quote Beauty and the Beast when ordering!" (For more information on Print it Large please visit the website www.printitlarge.co.uk)

Melanie Rosier-Watt, Shining Lights Company Manager, said: "The thinking behind the idea was that as it is increasingly difficult to raise funds we thought we had to be a little more creative. By sponsoring a character, you get involved and see tangible evidence of how their money is being spent. It is fantastic that Intelemarketing and Print it Large has decided to support this production, and we look forward to hearing from other local companies too." 

Shining Lights Youth Theatre looks to provide opportunities for young people that they would not find in other youth theatres. The company aspire to provide drama that is challenging and interesting for our members and their audiences. As a self-funding, voluntary organization, they are dependent on a dedicated team of individuals and ex-members who have a passion for the arts. 
 
If you or your business is interested in sponsoring a character, please call Melanie on 01635 860926 or visit the Shining Lights website for more information: www.shininglightsyouththeatre.com

Tickets for 'Beauty and the Beast' are now on sale from the Corn Exchange box office: 01635 522733.