Class Assembly
On 24 September 2026, we will be hosting Class Assembly East in partnership with Eastern Angles and New Wolsey Theatre.
Class Assembly East is a gathering for organisations in the East of England to understand the deep-rooted socio-economic inequity in the arts, taking place at New Wolsey Theatre and Eastern Angles Centre.
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.
Building on the previous success of Bradford and Liverpool, we are inviting organisations in the East of England to come together for a day of key note speeches, new artist commissions, lunch and discussions.
We will explore how arts organisations and industry leaders can create a more equitable cultural sector – one where working class artists can thrive as both creatives and leaders.
We really hope you can join us!
About Fair Play
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.
This event welcomes people of all class backgrounds with a particular focus on organisations. Class Assembly is designed for organisations to actively interrogate what the barriers are to career progression for people who are working class / from low socio-economic backgrounds, and to commit to continuing this conversation within their own companies.
What is Class Assembly?
Class Assembly is part of Fair Play‘s Advocacy strand of work. It brings together theatres, companies and artists to understand the deep-rooted socio-economic inequity in the arts and take away tangible action points to make change.
Our aim is to create a culture shift within the industry when it comes to talking about and recognising class. Change starts with knowledge and action, and the events combine to develop understanding of the landscape by sharing key facts and data alongside experience to build a collective understanding of the barriers in place.
In addition, we facilitate an open and honest conversation where organisations meet artists from lower socio-economic backgrounds to listen, learn, and discover what action can be taken.
In May 2025, we partnered with 20 Stories High and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse to run Class Assembly Northwest – a day-long event for artists in the north west.
In September 2025 we partnered with Bradford 2025 City of Culture, Bradford Producing Hub and Common/Wealth for Class Assembly Bradford, inviting organisations from across the country to attend.