In preparation for the brand new stage production of The Exorcist, The REP’s Board of Trustees have been creating some terrifying fun of their own by taking part in the theatre’s Scar Bar workshop. Led by theatre, film and TV make-up artist Andrew Whiteoak, the Scar Bar offered trustees the chance to learn professional techniques on how to create the most ghastly grazes and wicked wounds in the business.

The Scar Bar is one of a range of innovative team building and training workshops from The REP currently available to book by the business community and event bookers in the city. Having just been named as Birmingham’s events and conferencing V enue Of The Year, The REP offers a range of exciting opportunities to the corporate sector including show sponsorship, corporate membership and exclusive client entertainment.

The REP’s Chair, Angela Maxwell said; “The scar bar is an excellent way to team build, it is fun and out of the comfort zone. We are a dynamic and ambitious Board and enjoy the roles we have, by sampling something new we have a greater sense of one another and how best to play to our strengths. The REP is Birmingham’s theatre making hub and we continue to push the boundaries of education, inclusion and entertainment”.

As a registered charity, The REP relies on the support of individual donors, businesses and trusts to continue its work both on and off stage. Sadly the organisation has not been immune to the recent extensive cuts in public arts funding. Since 2010 The REP has experienced a 60% cut in its City Council grant. In such a challenging climate, it is vital for the theatre to have the support of a proactive and passionate Board.

The REP has recently appointed new REP Trustees Lorna Laidlaw, Actor, Writer and Director, Prof David Roberts, Birmingham City University and Amerah Saleh, Spoken Word Artist and Liz James from Berwick Partners. Speaking of her new position, Liz said: “The REP occupies a unique place in the cultural and economic life of Birmingham and the West Midlands as a whole. Being a Board Member offers a singular opportunity to contribute towards the richness of the arts offering and indeed the operation of a fantastic venue.

“Recent press coverage has highlighted Birmingham’s growing presence as THE destination outside of London; The REP is undoubtedly part of this success story and its involvement with the breadth of the conurbation’s communities should be celebrated.”

With the season’s spookiest holiday on the horizon, a new stage production of the The Exorcist is running from the 21st October-5th November 2016.Fans of all things horror can also take part in a unique theatrical experience called Séance which is taking place in a shipping container in front of The REP until the 29th October.

The REP is one of the most renowned theatres in the history of the English stage and as the City’s only producing theatre is a gem in the cultural landscape of Birmingham. The theatre produces over 60 productions on its 3 stages every year and its acclaimed community engagement programme is the largest of its kind in Birmingham. Recent activities across The REP’s learning and participation work have included; launching a youth theatre group for children with severe learning disabilities, hosting the World Festival of Theatre for Young Audiences, offering summer school places to recently arrived refugee families and co-producing a nationwide commemoration of the Battle of the Somme.