Supporters events
Support usSupporters events
A closer look behind the scenes...
Join us as we delve into what it takes to build a Festival Season at CFT, with opportunities to hear from those who make the magic happen on and off the stage. You’ll be sure to gain an unique, insider's perspective.
Available to Champions, Applause, Encore, Ovation, Season, Artists and Directors Circle supporters.
Related items
- Props Store (shuttle bus from CFT)
Behind the Scenes: CFT's Props Store
- Minerva Bar
Behind the Scenes with CFT's Apprentices
- The Nest
Behind the Scenes with the Future Theatre Makers
In conversation with set and costume designers
Thursday 24 September
Hear from Joanna Scotcher and Ryan Dawson-Laight, leading experts in set and costume design. Learn about their inspiring careers and the journey of designing a show, including our upcoming production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Available to Artists and Directors Circle supporters.
Invitations to follow via email.
Directors Insights
Hear from Festival Season Directors while their productions are in rehearsals, with a chance to ask your questions.
Justin Audibert and Hannah Joss, A Midsummer Night's Dream | Tuesday 8 September, 6.15pm
Available to Directors, Artists and Season Circle supporters, who will be invited to choose three events during the Festival Season.
Invitations to follow via email.
Dinner and drinks events
Drinks with Directors
Wednesday 9 December, 6pm | Minerva Bar
Enjoy drinks with fellow supports and CFT’s Senior Leadership before hearing from Justin Audibert and Kathy Bourne as they reflect on Festival 2026 and show our appreciation for your support.
Available to Artists and Directors Circle supporters. Invitations to follow.
Chair's Dinner
January 2027 (further details to follow)
Join us for an exclusive dinner in a Chichester venue. Spend time with fellow supporters and creatives from CFT past, present and future.
Invitations will be sent to Directors Circle supporters.
Supporters Dinner
Tuesday 16 March 2027, 6.15pm | Brasserie
An evening with fellow supporters and members of the CFT Team. Enjoy a two-course dinner and hear about the impact of your generous support.
Available to Ovation, Season, Artists and Directors Circle supporters. Invitations to follow.
Supporters Nights
Join us for drinks after each show in the Festival Season, with an opportunity to congratulate the cast.
a small and quiet light | Tuesday 8 September, from 6.30pm
A Midsummer Night's Dream | Tuesday 6 October, 6.45pm
Antigone Exits | Tuesday 13 October, 6.30pm
Peter Pan | Thursday 17 December, 6.15pm
Available to:
- Ovation – Choose two shows
- Season Circle – Choose four shows
- Artists and Directors Circle – All of the above
Tickets for each performance must be purchased separately, and you will only receive an invitation to the drinks reception if you have tickets to the show. We do our best to ensure that the cast will join us post-show, but we cannot guarantee their attendance.
Dress Rehearsals
A first-look at our Festival 2026 shows before they open to audiences.
Supporters at each level are invited to attend the following:
- Ovation: one dress rehearsal
- Season and Artists Circle: two dress rehearsals
- Directors Circle: four dress rehearsals
2027 dates will be shared alongside the Festival season.
Technical Rehearsals
A Midsummer Night's Dream | w/c 14 September
Artists and Directors Circle supporters are invited to attend three technical rehearsals during the Festival season.
Please note that rehearsal dates and times are subject to change.
Invitations and information on how to choose which rehearsal(s) you would like to attend will follow. 2027 dates will be shared alongside the Festival season.
All events are subject to change, and we’ll endeavour to give as much notice as possible if any changes to date, times or speakers occur. Access to rehearsals is at the discretion of the Director of each show. If it becomes necessary to close a rehearsal, we will let you know as soon as possible and discuss alternatives.