Supporters events

Support us

Supporters 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.

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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.

A rail of colourful costumes.
Behind the scenes of Redlands at CFT Image: Tim Hills 2024

Winter Season Events

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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.

A group sit together at a formal dinner. In the centre, two guests laugh together.
CFT Supporters Dinner 2025 Image: Tim Hills 2025

Supporters Nights

Join us for drinks after each show in the Festival Season, with an opportunity to congratulate the cast.

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
A man speaks enthusiastically to a group who stand around. In the background, others mingle.
Supporters night for Hamlet at CFT Image: Tim Hills 2025

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.

Directors Insights

Hear from Festival Season Directors while their productions are in rehearsals, with a chance to ask your questions.

Available to Directors, Artists and Season Circle supporters, who will be invited to choose three events during the Festival Season.

Invitations will be sent via email. 2027 dates will be shared alongside the Festival season.

Three members of the company stand around a desk in a rehearsal room. Th woman on the left and man in the middle are looking at the woman on the right, smiling. On the desk are books, cups and mugs.
Hannah Joss, Justin Audibert and Jade Hackett in rehearsal for A Midsummer Night's Dream at CFT Image: Manuel Harlan 2026

Dress Rehearsals

A first-look at our Festival 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.

A performer stands side-on, eyes closed as though preparing calmly to go on stage. Two wardrobe assistants perfect the performer's wig and costume.
Behind the scenes of Anna Karenina at CFT Image: Tim Hills 2025

Technical Rehearsals

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.

A man's hand moves a lever on a lit up technical desk
Technical desk Image: Tim Hills 2023

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.

Supporters Events Leaflet