RTYDS is the UK’s foremost programme of paid professional development for theatre makers and directors. In the last 12 years we have led on change in leadership diversity working with theatres and companies across England.
Now it’s time to play fair.
The crisis of class representation in the arts is well established – but it isn’t being tackled.
Only 13% of the arts sector (ACE NPO data) comes from working class or low socio-economic backgrounds. The structures, practices, and models that dominate our industry continue to exclude, undervalue, and limit opportunities for artists from these backgrounds.
Fair Play is RTYDS’ programme of work which addresses the barriers experienced by working class artists, helping them to sustain careers so that they can remain in and thrive in the theatre industry.
“RTYDS is where it really all began; it made me the director and artistic director I am today.”
Natalie Ibu
Artistic Director, Northern Stage
Latest from RTYDS
RTYDS announces new resident and associate company partnerships
Photo by Darren Robinson Photography (L-R) John McGrath, Artistic Director & CEO Factory International; Laura Mallows, Executive Director and Co-CEO ThickSkin; Neil Bettles, Artistic Director and Co-CEO ThickSkin; Manli Siu, Programme Producer RTYDS; Neil Harris, Business Manager for Culture, Arts & Heritage at Wigan Council; Sue Emmas, Artistic Director and CEO RTYDS;Taio Lawson, Artistic Director and Co-CEO Bush Theatre; Holly Aston, Executive Director RTYDS; Caitriona Shoobridge, Co-Creative Lead RTYDS Fair Play; Angela Wachner, Executive Director and Co-CEO Bush Theatre Here at RTYDS, we continue to create talent pathways for working class directors and strengthen industry connections with [...]