The Stage launches digital conference on the future of theatre

The Stage has launched a digital conference and a series of panel discussions that will explore the future of the performing arts sector after the pandemic.

Running from June 16-18, the Future of Theatre digital conference will bring together voices from across the UK theatre sector in a series of panel discussions, interviews and presentations to discuss what lies ahead.

The Future of Theatre conference aims to "challenge why the theatre operates the way it does" and reflect on how the industry can "move towards a more successful, creative and resilient future".

It will provide a platform for leaders to share their thoughts on subjects including ticket pricing, financing shows, running buildings, maintaining and developing the workforce and reaching new audiences and communities.

The conference, which is sponsored by Charcoalblue, will address onstage and offstage topics across commercial, subsidised and not-for-profit theatre.

Further details on speakers are to be announced.

Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage, said: “This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for theatre. It will have changed the performing arts dramatically, permanently and possibly in ways none of us realises yet.

“As an independent voice for the whole of the performing arts in the UK, The Stage is in the unique position of being able to bring together theatremakers of all different types from across the industry to discuss what the future of the sector could and should be.

"This is a vital conversation and a pivotal time for those of us who hope to help theatre bounce back even better than before."

In the run-up to the conference, The Stage will host a series of Future of Theatre panel discussions, which are free for The Stage subscribers and will take place every two weeks from February 23.

The first panel discussion will ask: ’What have we learned about audiences over the past year?’

Speakers will include David Brownlee, managing director at data specialist Purple Seven, Ben Park, global head of marketing and communications at Spektrix, and Caroline Routh, executive director and joint chief executive of Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre.

Other topics to be explored in the eight-part series of discussions will include: ’Do theatre buildings need to change post-pandemic?’, ’Are we training too many actors?’ and ’What is theatre’s civic role?’

Further details on the Future of Theatre conference and panel discussions are available here.