Fans of the theatre are being given the opportunity to own a piece of history.
A new campaign to help fund the multi-million-pound transformation of Perth Theatre has been launched.
It is hoped that £1 million can be raised through the Take Your Seat initiative, which will be used to equip the popular venue with the latest facilities.
As part of the project, sponsors are being invited to donate at least £250 to secure a seat in the new Studio Theatre, while space is available in the Edwardian auditorium for a minimum of £400, and all donors will receive a dedication of their choice.
Two generous residents have already rushed to take advantage of the scheme.
Mrs Margaret Bowman and Mr John Blair have strong links to Perth Theatre, both as audience members and from working behind the scenes.
They joined MSP for Perthshire North, John Swinney, to mark the start of the campaign.
He said he was “delighted” to help launch the Horsecross Arts fundraiser and be part of the “exciting” project.
“Scotland is an extraordinarily creative nation,” he said.
“Just a few weeks ago the Scottish Government published a study confirming the huge positive benefit of cultural engagement to our nation’s health and wellbeing and to our enjoyment of life.
“This is certainly evident here in Perth, where culture thrives and the excellent Concert Hall is a tremendous asset for all of Perthshire and a huge draw for visitors to the city.
“Now its sister building, the beautiful Edwardian theatre, is about to be renewed and made ready to breathe a new creative life to the heart of the new city.”
The refurbishment of the 114-year-old theatre will begin at the end of the year, when its doors will close until 2016.
More than £13.5m will be spent restoring the B-listed auditorium to its former glory.
Funding for the ambitious venture has been secured from Perth and Kinross Council, the Gannochy Trust, the Heritage Lottery Foundation and Creative Scotland.
Council leader Ian Miller welcomed the transformation and the support given by the local authority.
He said: “The improvements and expansion of the city’s cultural hub will be a great boost for the people and the economy of the city of Perth.
“I very much hope that Take Your Seat is seen by the wider public as an exciting opportunity to share in this project by supporting their own slice of the theatre’s history.”
Work to restore the seats in the historic auditorium will be led by conservation architects Simpson and Brown, who will also undertake the construction of a new Studio Theatre and the creation of new spaces for groups and workshops.
The foyer spaces will also be redesigned around these facilities.
While the interior will be carefully restored and instantly recognisable to audiences, the theatre’s exterior will be transformed.
The building will be spun around 180 degrees, with an eye-catching new entrance and extension created at what is the rear of the theatre.
During the closure, shows will be staged in a variety of venues across Perthshire, and productions will also be toured to other theatres throughout the UK.
Jacqueline McKay, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, said: “Our audiences and supporters have been with us every step of the way so far, responding to our transformational plans with enthusiasm and encouragement.
“We value their continued support, their patience during the construction period and look forward to welcoming them to our programme of events while the venue is closed and to our Doors Open Day in September. I hope that many regular attenders take a seat in the transformed venue.”