York Theatre Royal has launched a campaign to raise £500,000 to help pay for its biggest upgrade in 50 years. Today, The Press publishes the latest in an occasional series of columns by writers explaining what the theatre means to them.

YORK Theatre Royal already feels like home to me. Having graduated in July from the University of Exeter, I had no clue what I wanted to do next with my life. Luckily, just after handing in my dissertation, the opportunity to apply for the Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy Fellowship scheme opened up their application process.

The programme was created in partnership between Cause4 and the DARE Fundraising Academy, together with the leading arts and education organisations across the North, South West and London. It aims to create the next generation of leading development directors skilled with the vision and entrepreneurial expertise to make a significant difference to the arts fundraising landscape.

Having secured my place on the programme, I was assigned to my host organisation - York Theatre Royal. Through a year-long training placement, they are allowing me insight into their own development team and how their organisation works to engage their community with their outstanding work.

I could not be happier to be learning from such a dedicated team of people, especially through the duration of their £4.1 million capital appeal. If there is any time to learn how to fundraise it is now.

I had never set foot in York Theatre Royal before my interview. I had never seen one of their productions, not even the Mystery Plays or their famous pantomime. I had no idea of the significance of a Wagon Wheel. What I am quickly learning is York Theatre Royal is much more than it appears.

It is not just an iconic landmark within the city of York, or just another theatre that puts on plays. It is so much more. It is an enabler, a collaborator, a creator, a multi-talented organisation that goes above and beyond its call of duty to make the city of York and its surrounding areas a better place to live in.

You do not have to look hard to see the wealth of good the Theatre achieves, just have a Google of some of the activities it does: their shows, Project Q, Sing and Sign, iCAN, TakeOver Festival, On Our Turf, Youth Theatre, work experience, creative skills development, and work with schools and other educational establishments.

It engages in multi-organisational partnerships for the benefit of the city and provides a safe haven for the citizens and visitors of York. If York Theatre Royal did not exist there would be a gaping void in the cultural experience that this city has to offer. I am proud every day when I come to work and realise the benefit that the capital redevelopment will have on the people of York. I am proud to be supporting in my own way, by donating a fiver each month. I am proud of York Theatre Royal and its place in our community.

by Clemency Horsell

• Clemency is working on the York Theatre Royal public fundraising appeal for the £4.1 million redevelopment project. There is still £284,000 left to raise to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations for years to come.

• For more information on the Theatre’s appeal go to www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk, or to donate Text YTRC15 £(amount you wish to donate) to 70070 or go to: justgiving.com/yorktheatreroyal/donate