This year marks the Theatre Trust’s 40th anniversary but its annual conference will look forward rather than backward as it examines the state of Britain’s theatres.
After considering the way theatre architecture and design has responded to past and present influences—including changing demographics, government and city devolution, housing delivery, community needs and audience demand—on the provision of existing and new theatres, it will look to the future.
It will also consider the wider cultural landscape, including the role of theatres in stimulating cultural and economic development, and the increasing technical demands being placed on theatre buildings.
It will ask such questions as:
- What kinds of theatres will we need to build, and how will we find the resources to do so?
- How should we be asking existing buildings to adapt and change?
- What new structural and technical demands can be anticipated?
- What impact will the popularity of digital distribution of live theatre have?
- How will we ensure that the right theatre spaces are available in the right locations for the next generations of theatre makers?
An opening session chaired by critic Mark Shenton will consider “The Big Picture” and take an overall view. Its contributors will include Ambassador Theatre Group Business Development Director Julia Potts, Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sheffield Theatres Trust, architectural historian Dr Alistair Fair and Dr Stephen Hetherington, Chairman, HQ Theatres Trust.
It will be followed by a session themed "Design and Distribution" with Richard Pilbrow as keynote speaker and contributors including other theatre consultants, theatre designer Tom Piper and Emma Keith, Head of Broadcast and Producer, National Theatre Live.
In the next session, headed “Producers Respond”, theatre producers and investors (including Michael Harrison, Managing Director Qdos, Fawn James, Director Soho Estates, Rachel Tackley, Director English Touring Theatre, Tristan Baker, Producer Runaway Entertainment and Madani Younis, Artistic Director Bush Theatre) will discuss what they are looking for both nationally and in London. Can they come up with a blueprint for the next 40 years?
“National Future—the Next 40 Years…”, a session chaired by Theatres Trust Chairman Tim Eyles, will imagine the future and consider the strategies we need today to ensure future generations can enjoy live theatre in good quality theatre buildings and the Theatres Trust will sets out its vision to protect theatres for the next 40 years.
Fuller details of the programme are available on the Theatres Trust web site.
Booking is now open with Early Bird discounts for bookings made before 27 May and a special price for students.