Following the disheartening news that RTYDS will no longer continue as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) with Arts Council England from April 2023, we remain fiercely committed to dismantling barriers and supporting freelance artists. We continue to believe in the importance of our work in developing regional talent and providing pathways into the industry for diverse and marginalised artists.
We are announcing two exciting new projects to kick off 2023:
- The first is with Classroom, an initiative led by artists Stef O’Driscoll and Caitriona Shoobridge
- The second is a Talent Development Map for directors and theatre-makers, which offers artists an easy and transparent way to find development opportunities around the country.
Classroom
Classroom, a Connect Company of RTYDS, was founded and led by artists, Stef O’ Driscoll and Caitriona Shoobridge. Classroom champions artists who experience barriers rooted in social class. It is also a space to talk about socio-economic barriers and privilege in theatre, and where artists and organisations can come together and dismantle classism.
We are supporting their two projects designed to remove social, cultural and capital barriers for artists who identify as from a lower socio-economic background or working, benefit, criminal class (WBC-C). Activity in the next six months includes:
- Surviving on a Shoestring – a pilot programme that aims to empower artists and encourage awareness for organisations around the precarious nature of self-employed work for those navigating long-term financial insecurity.
- Networking Bursaries – three bursaries of up to £850 for WBC-C theatre professionals (artist, creative, producer, stage manager, technician etc) to begin or continue to grow their networks and connections.
Classroom projects have been developed with the support of freelance Producer, Nassy Konan. For more information, head to Classroom’s new website.
Talent Development Map
Today, we are also launching a Talent Development Map, featuring arts organisations, venues and companies across England who are committed to artist development.
As an early career artist, having knowledge of where to go, who to contact, and what might be available to you can be a challenging first step. For those living outside of London in particular, it can be difficult to navigate who to approach, or to get a comprehensive, geographical insight into the national theatre sector. This map ensures that whatever stage of a career or wherever they live in the country, directors and theatre-makers can have a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape of their local area.
We have added 115 companies to begin with and this is just the start. We hope that over time, this map will be a vital resource for emerging directors and established creatives looking for a new challenge and for those who are wondering where to begin. We’d love to hear from independent producers or companies that offer opportunities for directors and theatre makers so they can expand the map.
To go alongside the map, we have also compiled a list of regular opportunities and other useful resources for directors and theatre-makers.
This project has been researched and developed for RTYDS by freelance Producer, Sarah Penney and supported by RTYDS Trainee Programme Producer, Shahreen Vayani.
RTYDS Trustees
Along with establishing and supporting these new projects in these challenging times, we have also been working to strengthen our Board and are pleased to announce two new Trustees who will help the organisation to continue to grow and develop.
Anthony Lau is Associate Artistic Director at Sheffield Theatres and RTYDS alum. His directing credits include Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and Rock (Sheffield Theatres), The Shadow Factory revival and Juicy and Delicious (Nuffield Southampton Theatres), and The Taste of Us (HighTide Festival).
Alexander McGowan is Executive Director/Joint CEO, Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. Prior to that, he was Executive Director/Joint CEO of the Lyceum Theatre Company in Edinburgh and served as the Chair of the Federation of Scottish Theatre from 2012-2018.
After ten years of incredible support, mentoring and guidance Grahame Morris is stepping down as Chair of our Board. We are now looking for someone with drive, vision, and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion to work with us on this new chapter of RTYDS’ future. Look out for the invitation to apply on our website from March onwards.