Since the 1960s RTYDS has been 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
Natasha Bucknor MBE joins RTYDS as Executive Director
We are delighted to announce that Natasha Bucknor MBE will be joining the company as Executive Director from 17 February 2025, taking over from Interim Executive Director, Sarah Nicholson. Natasha brings a wealth of experience to the company, having previously worked with theatre companies such as the Almeida, National Theatre Studio and Talawa Theatre Company, and also through consulting for a range of organisations across the cultural sector. In 2019, Natasha received an MBE for services to theatre. Natasha joins us at a pivotal time as we begin Fair Play, a nationwide initiative to address socio-economic inequity in theatre – [...]