One day last November an Italian man walked into our costume area and introduced himself to each person in the team: Scott, Joanna, MaryAnn, Cathryn, Ruth and Sam. They were obviously shocked. The man was Giorgio Armani and the delight on his face was clear to see.

Giorgio Armani’s love of costume grew from a youth spent in theatres and movie houses. His connection to film and the performing arts around the world is an expression of that boyhood inspiration and wonder.

Giorgio Armani’s philanthropic patronage of Sydney Theatre Company allows us to aim high, allows us greater ambition, for our work and the connection that is might make with our audiences.

With Giorgio Armani’s loyalty we can also bring focus to our programs that engage young people in the audience, in rehearsal rooms and on stage. In the end our aim is to inspire young minds, all minds really, in just the way Giorgio Armani was inspired towards creativity and fresh thinking.

The benefits will hopefully be not just for individuals but for Australia’s theatre culture into the future.

We hope you – like Giorgio Armani – will support us on this course.