Give a little. Do a lot.

At Hayes, we know that a little support goes a long way. It’s something we’ve depended on from the beginning – building a community around the theatre and each of the productions we develop and present. The generosity and loyalty of our supporters have allowed us to invest in new work, support both emerging and established artists, and deliver the most exciting and entertaining musicals in the country.

With your help, we’ve grown rapidly. The number of Hayes-produced musicals has doubled in the past few years. More than a dozen shows that began here have toured or transferred and countless performers, musicians and creatives have started their professional careers on our stage.

Our theatre is just 111 seats, and while that makes the Hayes experience so special, ticket income only covers a fraction of what it takes to make our shows. We’re proud and incredibly grateful that in every year since 2014, individual donations to Hayes have contributed more than any income from government grants.

Ride The Cyclone (2024) Photo by Prudence Upton

Where will my money go?

Every dollar you give goes directly into our productions and the development of new musicals. Hayes is the only professional company in the country that consistently creates brand new Australian work – it’s ambitious, expensive, and takes time, but we believe these stories deserve to be seen and heard. 

Unlike most arts organisations, Hayes runs with minimal overheads. That means your support doesn’t disappear into admin but goes straight to what you see on stage: costumes, sets, extra rehearsals, and the artists who bring it all to life. 

Passionate about new musicals? We’ve recently launched our exciting new Production Partnerships program, where you can directly support a new Australian musical in our annual season.

 

A Little Night Music (2023) Photo by John McRae

How do I donate? 

You can donate by clicking here, through the ‘donate now’ button below or by contacting Kirby Pascoe at [email protected] to find out more about our programs and how you might be able to help. 

All donations $2.00 or more are tax-deductible and a tax receipt will be issued automatically, attached to the confirmation email. 

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES THIS POSSIBLE

  • How we thank our donors

    Your support is crucial in bringing bold, new musicals to life at the Hayes. By donating, you’re not only supporting the future of our stage – you’re also unlocking a range of exciting, exclusive benefits that allow you to engage with our work in meaningful ways.  

    Company Donor $250 – $499 

    • Acknowledgement on our donor board in the foyer 
    • Acknowledgement on our website 

    Encore Donor $500 – $999 

    • Acknowledgement on our donor board in the foyer 
    • Acknowledgement on our website 

    Supporting Role Donor $1,000 – $4,999 

    • Invitations to Hayes rehearsal room events  
    • Plus, all the benefits of Encore Donors 

    Principal Role Donor $5,000 – $9,999 

    • Invitations to opening nights of all Hayes produced musicals for 12 months 
    • Invitation to our annual Season Launch  
    • Plus, all the benefits of Supporting Role Donors 

    Triple Threat Donor $10,000 – $19,999 

    • Invitations to opening nights of all Hayes AND independently produced musicals for 12 months 
    • Plus, all the benefits of Principal Role Donors 

    Spotlight Donor $20,000+ 

    • Invitations to opening nights of all Hayes AND independently produced musicals for 12 months 
    • Plus, all the benefits of Principal Role Donors 
  • Production Partnerships

    At Hayes, we champion new Australian musicals that are bold, unexpected, and full of heart – stories that reflect who we are, where we are, and where we’re going. Backing new work takes guts. There’s no safety net, just a blank stage and a big idea. But these are the shows that shift the needle – raw, funny, and moving. And they need supporters. 

    Each year, we invite private supporters to help bring one new musical to life. A show that’s ambitious, original, and ready for its moment in the spotlight. In 2025, your support will go towards Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical. 

    Only 8 places are available to support us as Production Partners or Patrons. To find out more or to support a production, please contact Executive Director Will Harvey at [email protected]. 

    Double your impact! Thanks to Creative Australia’s Plus1 Program, all donations made to Production Partnerships before 31 May will be matched – meaning you’re providing twice the level of support!

    Production Patron $6,000+

    • Invitations to opening nights of all Hayes produced musicals for 12 months, including the show you are supporting 
    • Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes events, including rehearsal room visits and a meet-and-greet with the cast and creative team 
    • Invitation to our annual Season Launch  
    • Personalised assistance with bookings 
    • Acknowledgement in the show program 
    • Acknowledgement on our donor board in the foyer 
    • Acknowledgement on our website 

    Production Partner $3,000 – $5,999

    • Invitation the opening night of the show you are supporting 
    • Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes events, including rehearsal room visits and a meet-and-greet with the cast and creative team 
    • Personalised assistance with bookings 
    • Acknowledgement in the show program 
    • Acknowledgement on our donor board in the foyer 
    • Acknowledgement on our website 

    Production Supporter $1,000 – $2,999

    • Acknowledgement in the show program 
    • Acknowledgement on our donor board in the foyer 
    • Acknowledgement on our website 

     

     

     

  • Artistic Directors' Circle

    The Artistic Directors’ Circle offers the ultimate Hayes experience. This prestigious membership not only provides access to the finest in musical theatre but also elevates your connection with Hayes through exclusive insights, access, and engagement. 

    Artistic Directors’ Circle Leaders: $10,000 annual contribution ($9,500 tax deductible)

    • Invitations to opening nights of all Hayes produced AND independently produced shows
    • Access to exclusive events, including an annual Artistic Directors’ Circle dinner, season launches, and supporter events 
    • Opportunities to purchase house seats for sold-out performances by contacting the Executive Director directly 
    • Invitations to behind-the-scenes events, including rehearsals and works in development 
    • Direct access to the Artistic Directors and Hayes team for personal updates and insights 
    • Priority communication about upcoming productions and developments 
    • Acknowledgement in show programs 
    • Acknowledgement on our donor board in the foyer 
    • Acknowledgement on our website 

    Artistic Directors’ Circle: $5,000 annual contribution

    • Invitations to opening nights of all Hayes produced shows
    • Access to events, including season launches and supporter events 
    • Opportunities to purchase house seats for sold-out performances by contacting the Executive Director directly 
    • Invitations to behind-the-scenes events, including rehearsals and works in development 
    • Direct access to the Artistic Directors and Hayes team for personal updates and insights 
    • Priority communication about upcoming productions and developments 
    • Acknowledgement in show programs 
    • Acknowledgement on our donor board in the foyer 
    • Acknowledgement on our website 

    Being part of the Artistic Directors’ Circle is a statement of your commitment to new and fresh musical theatre, aligning you with a community of like-minded patrons who value creativity, boldness, and storytelling that speaks to our times. 

    For more information or to become a member of the Artistic Directors’ Circle, please contact Executive Director Will Harvey at [email protected]. 

  • Leave a gift in your will

    By leaving a gift in your will, you help secure the future of Australian musical theatre. Your legacy will ensure that Hayes Theatre Co can continue to support emerging artists, bring bold new works to the stage, and inspire future generations with stories that matter. 

    Your gift of any size will be a lasting contribution to the arts, helping to shape the future of our theatre for years to come.  

    If you would like more information or to talk confidentially about leaving a gift in your will, please contact Executive Director Will Harvey at [email protected].