Ten Years Together

From the very beginning, Hayes has depended on our wonderful community to develop and present new musicals. The generosity and loyalty of our supporters has allowed us to invest in new work, support both emerging and established artists, and deliver the most exciting, engaging, and entertaining musicals.

With the help of the wider Hayes family, we’ve grown rapidly, with the number of Hayes produced musicals doubling in the past few years. More than a dozen productions that started life at Hayes have gone on to play at other theatres, or to tour around the country. Countless directors, musical directors, creatives, actors, and musicians have started their professional careers at Hayes. Over the past decade, we’ve truly established Hayes as the vital creative engine of the Australian music theatre industry.

And you’ve been with us all the way. Through the triumphs and challenges, the five-star reviews and the long dark months of COVID. 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.

Cast of Zombie! The Musical (2024) Photo by John McRae

Why donate to Hayes?

Hayes is currently the only professional company in Australia that consistently develops and produces brand new Australian musicals. It’s expensive and it takes a long time – but we believe that Australian stories should be seen and heard onstage.

We also produce and present some extraordinary musicals in our intimate theatre. And while the experience of sitting just a few feet from the action is what makes Hayes so special, our 111 seats can’t quite pay for the shows we put on.

By donating to Hayes, you’re directly supporting Australian artists employed on one of our productions, or funded through one of our many development programs.

 

A Little Night Music (2023) Photo by John McRae

Where will my money go?

Towards our productions and developing new Australian musicals. Hayes has extremely low administrative overheads compared to most arts organisations, so all the money we raise ends up onstage.

If you’ve ever admired the set, the costumes, or the way the whole show seems to come together so seamlessly – chances are it’s because of the generosity of our supporters who helped pay for design elements or those extra choreography sessions.

How do I donate?

You can donate by clicking through the “donate now” button below, or send an email to will@hayestheatre.com.au 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.

Ride The Cyclone (2024) Photo by Prudence Upton

 

What can I expect if I donate to Hayes?

In the short term – our undying gratitude and the knowledge that you’ve done an amazing thing! (as well as a receipt for your tax-deductible donation).

If you donate $200 or more you’ll be acknowledged on our donor board in the Hayes foyer and on our website.

Donors who contribute $1,000 or more will be invited to supporter events.

If you donate $5,000 or more, we’ll welcome you to the opening nights of our Hayes produced shows.

If you donate $10,000 or more, we’ll see you for opening night of every musical throughout the year!

 

Giving Programs

The Chair’s Circle

The Chair’s Circle is the best version of the Hayes experience. Like all patrons, members enjoy the intimacy and immediacy of a Hayes performance and exceptional quality musical theatre, however the experience is enhanced in three ways.

Information – Chair’s Circle members are the first to know about what we have planned.
A
ccess – Chair’s Circle members can always access our performances and have opportunities to meet our artists and our Chair at events throughout the year.
Association – Joining the Chair’s Circle is a statement about your values and interests, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded supporters.

Commitment

– Chair’s Circle Leaders      $10,000 ($9,500 tax deductible)
– Chair’s Circle                      $5,000 ($5,000 tax deductible)

With the option to pay in quarterly instalments via direct debit

Benefits

– Chair’s Circle Leaders will be invited to an annual Chair’s dinner and the opening nights of all productions at Hayes.
– Chair’s Circle Members will receive invitations to the Opening Nights of Hayes Productions, and in-season tickets to Independent Productions.
– Beyond their own tickets, Members will have the ability to purchase house seats to any sold-out performance by contacting the Executive Director directly.
– All Chair’s Circle Members will be invited to an annual Chair’s Circle event, season launches and all supporter events and concerts, as well as reads of works in development.
– All Chair’s Circle Members will receive regular updates on Hayes programming and creative development.