Building a better financial model for theatre

Theatre’s financial model that evolved over decades is now creaking at the seams. Theatre buildings have been hit by sky-rocketing energy bills, wages struggle to keep up with the cost of living, funding levels are falling, and audience levels are not returning to pre-pandemic levels, especially outside London.

Dwindling financial resource requires radical thinking. Theatre prides itself on performance innovation, but without the funding to make it happen, innovation stays as an idea, and doesn’t become a reality. 

What is the answer? How can we build a new financial model for the sector that allows producers, theatre operators and the wider workforce to enjoy a sustainable future?  

At the end of this session you will have:

• An understanding of the principal challenges facing the financial model for theatre
• Opinions from voices representing both employers and the workforce on the key challenges
• Practical suggestions for what needs to change to allow theatre to thrive in the 21st century