A front-of-house facelift

Exclusive private hire foyer booth
24 Apr 2017

Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre is a listed building but its front-of-house areas were in need of a facelift. Adrian Jackson explains how making the theatre more welcoming also made the bars more profitable.

Upstairs at the Pen and Wig

Photo of three men rehearsing a play round a table
24 Apr 2017

Presenting social issue dramas and storytelling events in a pub in Newport is reaching audiences looking for entertainment rather than art. Julie Benson tells the story.

The value of live theatre

Photo of young people watching woman on stage
20 Apr 2017

As drama is downgraded in our schools, Fiona Banks explains why it is essential for young people to see theatre live on stage.

Too many surcharges

Production shot: granny feeding grandson
13 Apr 2017

Fed up with venues adding unjustifiable fees on to tickets for its shows, Birmingham Stage Company is taking drastic action. Neal Foster explains why producers should follow suit.

Simpler subscriptions

Photo of entrance to theatre with pedestrians
13 Apr 2017

Interest in a Swedish theatre’s subscription scheme was plummeting until it reworked it to reward frequent and early bookings. Jenny Bång outlines the changes it made.

Who is really winning?

Photo of West End discount booth
13 Apr 2017

Does dynamic pricing actually benefit theatre producers or audiences? Steve Rich isn’t convinced.

My Gurus – Deborah Sawyerr

Photo of Deborah Sawyerr
06 Apr 2017

Theatre Royal Stratford East’s new Executive Director, Deborah Sawyerr, reflects on those that inspire and support her.

New network aims to connect every theatre in Europe

Lars Seeberg
31 Mar 2017

The EU-backed Theatron project is hoping to have its funding extended to launch a new network to continue connecting theatre professionals across Europe.

A dialogue with the audience

Photo of woman standing with arms out wide
23 Mar 2017

In a bid to listen more to its audiences, Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre launched a collaborative project that resulted in an ‘audience manifesto’. Amanda Dalton shares the surprising results.

From street lights to stage lights

Photo of people rehearsing amidst props
23 Mar 2017

Drama can boost the wellbeing of homeless people, but engaging them is not without challenges. Jon Randall shares his experiences producing and touring theatre with Lancaster’s homeless community.

Job ladder – Jonathan Kennedy

Photo of Jonathan Kennedy
16 Mar 2017

As he prepares to step down as Executive Producer for Tara Arts, Jonathan Kennedy looks back over the steps of his career so far.

House of Lords to assess theatre skills gap

Photo of House of Commons
15 Mar 2017

An inquiry will consider data regarding a future skills gap, the role of a creative education, and the need for greater diversity in theatre.

Getting to know our audience

Photo of performers on stage
09 Mar 2017

Graeae has successfully developed D/deaf and disabled audiences across the UK. Richard Matthews explains the principles and strategies that guide their marketing work.

Power shift

Dawn Walton and Shamser Sinha in rehearsals
21 Feb 2017

A new diversity programme will shift power and resources to where they can be most effective. Dawn Walton explains the thinking behind Eclipse Theatre’s new artist development initiative.

Give us a goal!

Photo of performers on stage with arms raised
09 Feb 2017

Taking inspiration from the local community for a new musical about a nightclub proved so successful for Oldham Coliseum that they’re doing it again. Cathy Crabb and Lindsay Williams tell the story.

Creating characters and dilemmas

Photo of two women wearing masks
09 Feb 2017

Theatre can be a powerful training tool for community workers. Louise Heywood describes Geese Theatre Company’s work with criminal justice and social welfare professionals.

Should I stay or should I go?

Photo of three wowen in stage production holding dusters
02 Feb 2017

Following the Brexit vote, are young European actors who have chosen to work in the UK likely to stay? Mark C. Hewitt sounded out a few of them.

Touring Scottish classrooms

Photo of young children with actors on stage
30 Jan 2017

Every child in Scotland will see a performing arts production in their school each year if the National Theatre of Scotland’s plans go ahead. Lucy Mason reviews the first year of a trailblazing new pilot.

Pages

Subscribe to Theatre