It’s time to play fair

The crisis of class representation in the arts is well established – but isn’t being tackled.

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.

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.

Our mission is to bring together theatres, theatre companies, trade unions, and third sector experts alongside mid-career artists across England to identify the cultural and systemic barriers that prevent artists from working class backgrounds from sustaining careers and progressing to leadership.

Fair Play has freelance directors Stef O’Driscoll and Caitriona Shoobridge as Co-Creative Leads to work alongside Artistic Director Sue Emmas in designing and delivering the project.

We are looking for partners to work with us to tackle this systemic injustice.

You may be a regional theatre building or a company, or you may be a third sector organisation that is already working in this area and willing to share your expertise.

Current partners include: Turn2us, Bradford City of Culture 2025, Bradford Producing Hub, Young Vic Creators Programme, and Stephen Joseph Theatre.

Together, we can work to ensure the future leadership of British theatre is more reflective of our society.

If you share our passion for this vital change and want to find out about the programmes and events we run, please get in touch.