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
New partners announced for Surviving on a Shoestring
We're very excited to announce new theatre partners who are joining Surviving on a Shoestring, our financial equity programme that addresses financial inequity in the industry by trialling new ways of paying creative freelancers from working class backgrounds. Welcome to the movement Bristol Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Mikron, Northern Broadsides, Odd Arts, Streetwise Opera, and Unfolding Theatre! "We understand the realities of being a working creative - juggling lives, families, bills and making ends meet. We don’t ever want these to be a barrier to working with us. We endeavour to be fair with [...]