A new report released today by Freelancers Make Theatre Work (FMTW) highlights key issues facing the freelance theatre workforce. Conducted in March-April 2023, this year’s survey highlights a pay-gap between the male and female workforce of 37.4%, and reports of an industry rife with ageism and sexism are further corroborated by data which reveals that the pay-gap widens to 47.7% for freelancers with 21-30 years’ experience in the industry. Third in a series of surveys by FMTW, the 2023 findings indicated that overall, average earnings for freelancers in the industry are 17.5% below the UK national average salary, and that many are leaving – or being forced out of – the industry resulting in skills shortages across the sector.

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Formed with the hopes of creating a network of first generation migrant theatre makers based in the South East of England, Dr Mary Mazzilli, from the University of Essex’s Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies has joined forces with Professor Renee Luthra – Sociology, Senior Research Fellow Dr Alita Nandi at the Institute for Social and Economic Research, with the support of theatre advocacy group Migrants in Theatre present the Global Theatre Pioneers South East Project. This is a collaborative initiative funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through its Impact Acceleration Account (IAA), creating a crucial much needed platform for creatives. Starting with a survey, which is currently live to complete, Dr Mary tells us more about the pioneering and ambitious project.

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Identifying within their ‘Routes to Recovery’ report last year that 70% of self employed and freelance workers make up the theatre industry, Freelancers Make Theatre Work have established a community of more than 200,000 members, their advocacy for the arts proving incredibly crucial during this very unique time. Currently available to listen to on various streaming platforms, their podcast Ghost Shows, in collaboration with fellow freelancer community Curtain Call offers insight into the impact of the pandemic on the freelance work force. The podcast’s presenter – freelance Opera Director Adele Thomas tells us more about exploring these relatable stories further a year on from the pandemic, working with Curtain Call to realise the podcast and what she’s taken away from utilising the podcasting form.

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Awarding 33 creatives with a £20,000 grant and career support, the Live Work Fund – made possible by Jerwood Arts, Wolfson Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The Linbury Trust, demonstrates the significance of collaboration, from the consortium of funders bringing with them their own valuable expertise to Jerwood Arts’ Artist Advisers offering their insight which in turn supports the decision making process. After the recent announcement of the Live Work Fund recipients, Jerwood Arts tell us more about the crucial fund, how they’ve found responding to growing need and what they’ve learned from their survey of 1200 applicants.

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Formed in response to the theatre closures caused by the current pandemic, the first round of the Theatre Artists Fund, established by theatre organisations UK Theatre and Society of London Theatre (SOLT) has supported 2,600 theatre workers and freelancers with emergency grants during this challenging time. Supported by various donors, including Netflix and Arts Council England, the second round of the fund is currently open until Friday 20th November. The Theatre Artists Fund team tell us more about the impact of this year’s pandemic on the industry, how to apply for the fund and how it has supported its recipients.

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