Fair Play in Organisations
We want to work with theatres and theatre companies to shine a light on the challenges of class and to provide initiatives and actions that can make change happen
Our vision is an industry where socio-economic background doesn’t dictate an artists’ artform, destination or career duration. Where working class leaders can thrive and where our theatre sector is robust, socially just, and able to recognise, develop and nurture working class talent.
As well as a programme for artists and theatre professionals, we want to work with theatres and theatre companies to shine a light on the challenges of class and to provide initiatives and actions that can make change happen.
What can we offer to organisations?
We can work with theatres and theatre companies to help them understand how financial, social, and cultural capital work together to create barriers to accessing and sustaining careers for people from working class / low socio-economic backgrounds.
We want to make long-lasting and impactful change, and we understand that to do this our programmes need to be financially accessible to organisations of all sizes. Together we can make vital change in the industry, whatever your budget.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL FAIR PLAY IN ORGANSATIONS OFFER HERE.
| “One of the most interesting sessions I’ve attended unpacking the intersectional lived experiences of classism in the UK and how the working class experiences are differentiated, i.e. those impacted by criminal justice and benefits recipients. Working class experiences are often grouped and studied through one homogenous lens. These sessions really dive into this thoroughly and felt very informative.”
Faiza Abdulkadi, Head of Fundraising & Business Development at Birthrights (previously Development Manager at The Gate Theatre) |
We can offer the following at no direct cost to your organisation, although we recognise that it will require time and resources from core members of the staff team:
A 12-month finance equity programme that is a collaboration with a theatre’s finance, producing and executive teams to trial new ways of paying creative freelancers who are in receipt of benefits.
Our website hosts the Turn2us Grants Search and Benefits Calculator as well as an advice leaflet with information about navigating self-employment and benefits.
The following activities will require some financial contribution from the participating organisations. We ask for a contribution to the baseline cost of our team’s time, knowledge and expertise. Where possible, other than Surviving on a Shoestring, the activity is best delivered in person although we can discuss sessions on Zoom where appropriate.
- Senior Leadership Team Development Workshops
Sessions explore what we mean when we talk about class in theatre, the nuances that artists, employees and audiences come up against rooted in different economic experience of class (working class, benefit class) as well as intersectionality.
- Artist Support Workshops
Opportunities for artists from low socio-economic backgrounds to connect with each other, connect with your organisation, share experiences and discuss career barriers and opportunities in a safe, supportive environment.
- Benefits Literacy
What does it mean to be a ‘benefits literate’ organisation? Sessions will explore how the benefits system creates a barrier for creative freelancers who are self-employed and what your organisation can do to ensure your practice is working to support these artists.
- Class Assembly
Gatherings of artists and organisations to understand the deep-rooted socio-economic inequity in the arts and come away with tangible action points to make change.
Find out more
DOWNLOAD THE FULL FAIR PLAY IN ORGANSATIONS OFFER HERE.
If your organisation is interested in getting involved with any of the above Fair Play programmes, please get in touch with Natasha Bucknor, RTYDS Executive Director, on natashabucknor@rtyds.co.uk and we can arrange a more detailed conversation.
“The time I spent at The Nuffield Theatre in Southampton equipped me, not only with skills for the rehearsal room, but also skills needed to lead a company. Most valuable of all though was the opportunity to try ideas, succeed and sometimes fail, within a supportive, creative environment.”
Robin Belfield
Theatre Director & writer