Vancouver Fringe’s Post

Tuesday Thoughts: How different things feel already. A new gov't means new possibilities for what arts/theatre can say about what it does. 'World class', 'life-changing', 'connecting communities' etc etc etc But is this language inclusive enough? Do words like 'excellence' bring us together or strike fear in those of us for whom excellence is the only option? How do we use the opportunity to find a new language that takes into account that many people aren't looking for arts/theatre to change their lives but to share our lives? If there's one word/phrase we should let go of as we say 'hello' to new possibilities, what would it be for you?

With each review, I aim to not only comment on the production - but really analyse the writing and staging, unpacking it in detail. The History Boys, currently at Aberdeen Performing Arts, was one which took LOTS of discussion, breaking down and researching - but that is the beauty of theatre isn’t it? There’s nothing better than feeling the need to discuss what you’ve seen with peers: debating and battling the material along the way. If I hadn’t, this review would have been shaped very differently! Read the 3⭐️ review below ⬇️ 👔 https://lnkd.in/eeZ7t4As

If you're not aware of The Stage's Future of Theatre Conference this week, do check it out. It is mentioned in a recent article by The Stage Media Company Ltd which says, "Cats was the first musical to become a globally replicated franchise and legitimised theatre investing as a credible enterprise.... Next week [25th April], The Stage’s Future of Theatre Conference will host a panel discussion with early-career commercial producers. Independent producers may face considerable challenges today, but they are also being afforded greater tax incentives...."   https://lnkd.in/eV7uabt4. I will add a link to the actual event in the comments. It is possible to book to join online. #thestage #theatre #theatreinvestment #angelinvestment #futureoftheatre

What does creativity mean to you? 💭 In case you missed it, we talked to our facilitators about how their definitions feed a creative experience for Theatreworks participants. Read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/eAb5UVCV And sign up to our newsletter so you never miss another post: https://lnkd.in/eGpm3EEE

Attended a panel on International Producing put on by The Broadway League. Got to learn hot tips on producing shows all over the world, and also what international audiences want when they come here! Some takeaways I wrote down: ✅ When marketing your show overseas, just because it’s the same show, doesn’t mean it’s the same strategy. ✅ Research is essential before you enter the market to learn what that audience knows about your brand. ✅ Lucky enough to have multiple productions around the world?  Make connections across those productions to create economies. ✅ Being a Tony Award Winning Musical isn’t enough to guarantee international success.  And vice versa!  (Dance of the Vampires is HUGE in Germany!) And a few tidbits about our international audience here in NY: 👉 The tourist audience is about 97% back from 2019 levels!  👉 NYC is the #1 destination for younger audiences overseas. 👉 That younger audience gets recommendations from LOCALS when they are deciding what to see (and probably young locals) 👉 The international traveler has money to spend, and they want an experience. #BroadwayLeague #Producing #BroadwayProducer #TonyAwardWinning #TheaterMakers

and Philosophy is the (sound) interpretation of experience https://lnkd.in/euhASh-q

More from our forthcoming book on Bristol Ideas.

“What I love most about being an Artistic Director is my work as a dramaturg, which is a bit unusual in UK theatre. I enjoy developing scripts, working with writers from the commissioning stage, and seeing how a text evolves. My role primarily involves dramaturgy before rehearsals begin. I then hand the script over to the chosen director and support them throughout the rehearsal process, similar to how other Artistic Directors might. For me, dramaturgy and strategic planning are closely related. Both involve starting from a point of origin and finding the most interesting and effective way to reach a goal. Whether it’s shaping the narrative of a play or crafting a strategic plan for Hightide, it’s about envisioning the end result and devising a creative path to get there. Just as I approach a play with an eye for its story arc, I apply the same mindset to strategic planning, considering where we want to go, how we’ll get there, and anticipating potential challenges along the way. Leadership as storytelling is a concept I find particularly compelling. Governance and artistic direction share similarities with dramaturgy in that they both involve shaping a narrative. In theatre, you expect to have low points in the plot, but in an organisation, you aim to avoid unnecessary risks and challenges. Nevertheless, acknowledging potential barriers and preparing for them is crucial. Like a risk register in a company, it’s important to foresee obstacles and devise strategies to overcome them, even though you hope they won’t arise. Ultimately, balancing these aspects—artistic and strategic—keeps me engaged and inspired. It’s about creating a compelling narrative both on stage and within the organisation, ensuring that we navigate challenges effectively and reach our goals.” Clare Slater | Artistic Director | Hightide - Every month I host an intimate and candid conversation with a working Artistic Director. Last month I spoke to Clare Slater, Artistic Director of New Writing Touring Company Hightide.  Previous guests have included Theatre503’s Lisa Spirling, the RSC’s new Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey and Justin Audibert of Chichester Festival Theatre.  You can rewatch all these interviews and join me for my next live session by signing up here: https://lnkd.in/eNUjFvtB #theatre #leadership #coaching

“What I love most about being an Artistic Director is my work as a dramaturg, which is a bit unusual in UK theatre. I enjoy developing scripts, working with writers from the commissioning stage, and seeing how a text evolves. My role primarily involves dramaturgy before rehearsals begin. I then hand the script over to the chosen director and support them throughout the rehearsal process, similar to how other Artistic Directors might. For me, dramaturgy and strategic planning are closely related. Both involve starting from a point of origin and finding the most interesting and effective way to reach a goal. Whether it’s shaping the narrative of a play or crafting a strategic plan for Hightide, it’s about envisioning the end result and devising a creative path to get there. Just as I approach a play with an eye for its story arc, I apply the same mindset to strategic planning, considering where we want to go, how we’ll get there, and anticipating potential challenges along the way. Leadership as storytelling is a concept I find particularly compelling. Governance and artistic direction share similarities with dramaturgy in that they both involve shaping a narrative. In theatre, you expect to have low points in the plot, but in an organisation, you aim to avoid unnecessary risks and challenges. Nevertheless, acknowledging potential barriers and preparing for them is crucial. Like a risk register in a company, it’s important to foresee obstacles and devise strategies to overcome them, even though you hope they won’t arise. Ultimately, balancing these aspects—artistic and strategic—keeps me engaged and inspired. It’s about creating a compelling narrative both on stage and within the organisation, ensuring that we navigate challenges effectively and reach our goals.” Clare Slater | Artistic Director | Hightide - Every month I host an intimate and candid conversation with a working Artistic Director. Last month I spoke to Clare Slater, Artistic Director of New Writing Touring Company Hightide. Previous guests have included Theatre503’s Lisa Spirling, the RSC’s new Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey and Justin Audibert of Chichester Festival Theatre. You can rewatch all these interviews and join me for my next live session by signing up here: https://lnkd.in/etAFJq4h #theatre #leadership #coaching