The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is launching a new membership category as part of a drive for greater diversity among its members.
The organisation, which represents 230 London-based producers, theatre owners and managers, is inviting 'historically underrepresented' groups to apply for its new Associate Membership.
It hopes the new pilot scheme, which will give free membership for six individuals for two years, will help the society be more inclusive.
Each new Associate Member will be assigned a mentor from SOLT's exisiting membership. After their first year, the associates will recruit another six new members.
SOLT president Eleanor Lloyd said she hoped the pilot would give upcoming producers, venue operators and programmers "earlier access to the benefits of SOLT membership such as networking, training and advice".
She added: “With particular focus on those who will diversify our industry, we hope this programme will allow Associate Members to build relationships, develop their knowledge and understanding of how the industry works, and be a stepping stone towards future full membership of SOLT, which will in turn strengthen the theatre community.”