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13 Nov 24, 11am – 4pm Delfont Room, Prince of Wales Theatre
Theatres in Towns in Crisis
Presenting theatres outside of the centres of our biggest cities are crucial contributors to cultural life, but many seem forgotten by policy-makers and funders.
Before the pandemic, they had diminishing access to affordable high-quality product. In 2024, challenges of supply and rising costs are greater than ever.
As Local Authorities continue to disinvest in arts and culture there are increasing risks to theatres of all scales, but mid-scale presenting houses in towns, smaller cities and outer London may be impacted most deeply due to a domino effect. If we start to see failures of presenting theatres, this is likely to lead to production company failures (and decisions by companies to cease producing) as there will be even fewer dates to build viable tours.
This meeting is being called by theatre managers concerned by the existential threat to mid-scale touring of high-quality productions. It aims to:
- Bring together theatre professionals who believe audiences should have access to great work on their local stage
- Identify the current and emerging challenges for mid-scale presenting venues
- Share innovative practice and new ways of working that are proving successful
- Identify practical next steps to collectively address the issues facing the sector
The meeting is aimed at theatre managers, but others with an interest in the resilience of the sector will be welcomed.
Agenda
10.45 Refreshments available
11:00 Welcome and intros
11:15 Where are we now – mini case studies
12:00 How does it feel at the frontline – the venue manager’s voice
12:30 Priorities for action
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Possible solutions - provocations and case studies
14:45 What needs to happen?
15:15 Agree actions from the day
15:45 Closing remarks
16:00 Close
This meeting is being chaired and managed by members of the Leaders for Culture Change programme and coordinated by Data Culture Change.
It is not a funded initiative, so a small fee of £60 including VAT is being charged to cover venue costs and catering, administration and to gauge and manage demand.
We're aware of the irony that a meeting about theatres in towns is taking place in central London. This is to make the event as accessible as possible to theatre managers throughout the UK.
Can't make it to the event but want your voice heard? The organisers would welcome a short video to share your perspective with those attending. Email david@dataculturechange.com for more details.