Freelancers Make Theatre Work
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freelancersmake.bsky.social
Freelancers Make Theatre Work
@freelancersmake.bsky.social
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We listen, support and advocate for ALL freelancers in the arts. An inclusive, independent community for the 200,000+ self-employed and freelance workers from all areas of arts. https://linktr.ee/FMTW
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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freelancersmake.bsky.social
Financial stress can hit hard, especially in the arts. If you're struggling, our website's support pages offers a curated list of government programs and charity resources tailored for creatives.

freelancersmaketheatrework.com/financialsup...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
February 6, 2026 at 1:02 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
In a parliamentary committee this week, Equity head of policy Tom Peters reported that UK producers were doing fewer dates on the continent, while Spotlight boss Matt Hood said Brexit had "placed UK performers in a cultural cul-de-sac".

Read more in @TheStage: www.thestage.co.uk/news/spotlig...
Image Description: “What we’re seeing is UK producers reducing the number of dates they’re doing in Europe, which is reducing work for our members, and we’re seeing EU-based producers overlooking UK talent.” - Equity head of policy Tom Peters
February 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
"The pandemic exposed the ugly, outmoded hidden structures of theatre that leave its freelance workforce exposed, while the money and the power largely reside within bricks and mortar." - @LynGardner

www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/put-...
February 5, 2026 at 12:30 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork is here to listen, support & advocate for ALL freelancers in the arts. We're an inclusive, independent community representing the 200,000 self-employed workers in live performance - who make up 70% of the UK theatre workforce.

freelancersmaketheatrework.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:45 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
FREELANCERS MAKE THEATRE WORK is a collective advocating for the UK theatre workforce. We aim to foster more transparent and inclusive dialogue within the industry by listening to freelancers and conveying their needs to theatre managements, producers, and the government.
February 4, 2026 at 1:15 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Pause: A Self-Care Support for Producers is a resource for producers navigating burnout. Incl. 8 commissioned writings with personal insights from producers, practical reflections + useful signposting.

producergathering.com/resource/pause-for-producers/

@the-uncultured @producergathering
February 4, 2026 at 8:42 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Brave New World? Justice for creators in the age of GenAI, shows the devastating impact generative AI is having on creators’ jobs by using the evidence of more than 10,000 creators across music, writing, photography and performance.

Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/365pnpwf
Image Description: “This is an existential moment for creators. Copyright is not a technical inconvenience; it is the mechanism that allows creators to earn a living and to retain control over the meaning and integrity of their work. Remove it, and you do not merely damage an industry – you dismantle the conditions under which culture itself can exist.”
February 3, 2026 at 5:45 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Need specific help or support? Find out who you should you be talking to.

We have a great list of Unions, Groups, Associations and Networks listed on our website here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/associations...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
February 3, 2026 at 12:15 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
‘It feels that TV doesn’t quite know how it should cover theatre, apart from the odd review of high-profile productions on Front Row’ - Lyn Gardner.

www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/thea...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Lyn Gardner on TV's support for theatre
While the BBC's prime-time screening of the Oliviers is great news, theatre deserves ongoing support from TV because stage talent feeds the broadcast industry, says Lyn Gardner
www.thestage.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 9:45 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Over five years ago, #VoluntaryArts launched #CreativeNetwork - an online get-together open to anyone involved in arts, culture and creativity in response to the effects of the pandemic and lockdown.

The sessions continue and you can find out more here: www.voluntaryarts.org/creativenetw...
February 2, 2026 at 1:31 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Want to build your climate literacy or create greener work?

The expanding training section of our Climate Crisis hub links to courses, workshops, and toolkits made for people in the arts.

🔗 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/climatecrisis/training

#GreenTheatre #ClimateTraining #SustainableArts"
February 2, 2026 at 8:01 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
On Monday 26 January 2026, we joined a large online sector session introducing the National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO), and exploring how organisations across arts, culture and heritage can help shape it.

👉 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/the-national...
The National Cultural Data Observatory, what it is, why it matters, and where freelancers fit - Freelancers make theatre work
The National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO), a new UK-wide collaboration aiming to connect cultural, social and economic data.
freelancersmaketheatrework.com
February 1, 2026 at 8:42 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
'The day-to-day reality of being a Black or Brown leader in the industry is rarely the story we want to tell.' - Chinonyerem Odimba, Writer and Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi, on why theatre must support global-majority leaders to thrive, not just survive.

Full article: tinyurl.com/527umk2z
January 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Political meddling in arts organisations across the globe is an issue for us all says Natasha Tripney in The Stage.

Read more here: www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/poli...

#TheArts #ArtsCensorship #SaveTheArts #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
‘Even if we’re not subject to the same level of heavy-handed state interference in the UK, there is a growing culture of self-censorship, risk aversion and the excision of capital-P politics from theatre, which we don’t have to accept. The loss of freedom occurs by increment, until it comes in a rush.’
January 30, 2026 at 5:31 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Skills shortages and burnout are fuelling a mental health crisis in our industry.

We can all see it. We can all feel it.

We have an up-to-date range of arts focussed charities, mental health support organisations & resources available on our website here freelancersmaketheatrework.com/support
January 30, 2026 at 1:12 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Brave New World? Justice for creators in the age of GenAI, shows the devastating impact generative AI is having on creators’ jobs by using the evidence of more than 10,000 creators across music, writing, photography and performance.

Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/365pnpwf
Image Description: “This is an existential moment for creators. Copyright is not a technical inconvenience; it is the mechanism that allows creators to earn a living and to retain control over the meaning and integrity of their work. Remove it, and you do not merely damage an industry – you dismantle the conditions under which culture itself can exist.”
January 30, 2026 at 9:52 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
FMTW is moving from crisis response to long term change, still by freelancers for freelancers. Help shape what we focus on next by completing our consultation survey for theatre and performing arts freelancers: forms.gle/GGTKH4EMjxCP...
January 29, 2026 at 6:02 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Small steps make a big impact. Our Climate Crisis Resources page is packed with guides, templates, and ideas for freelancers who want to work more sustainably, without losing the magic of live performance.

🔗 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/climatecrisi...

#SustainableTheatre
January 29, 2026 at 1:02 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Conflict affects freelancers differently across the world.

This section shares lived experience, context, and regional resources - because solidarity means listening and learning.

🔗 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/globalconflict/regions

#GlobalSolidarity #ArtsAndConflict #FreelancersWorldwide
January 29, 2026 at 9:15 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Mid scale and independent theatre companies, we need you.

If you run a performing arts company and you also freelance, we would love your input into our consultation on what FMTW becomes next.

Survey: tinyurl.com/4axrpw9d

Please share or tag a company that should see this.
January 28, 2026 at 4:45 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
70% of theatre workers are freelancers, yet many feel invisible. We’re pushing for fair pay and recognition with industry leaders AND government.

Write to your MP today: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/mps-letter/

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
January 28, 2026 at 12:38 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
On Monday 26 January 2026, we joined a large online sector session introducing the National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO), and exploring how organisations across arts, culture and heritage can help shape it.

👉 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/the-national...
The National Cultural Data Observatory, what it is, why it matters, and where freelancers fit - Freelancers make theatre work
The National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO), a new UK-wide collaboration aiming to connect cultural, social and economic data.
freelancersmaketheatrework.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:22 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
The executive producer of The Night Manager has warned that the successors to standout British dramas such as Adolescence and Fleabag are at risk if theatre funding continues to fall.

Read more in The Times here: www.thetimes.com/uk/media/art...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #TheArts #Culture
January 28, 2026 at 9:30 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Engagement with the arts in Wales is worth at least £588 million per year in health and productivity benefits, "landmark" research claims.

Read more here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/arts-de...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Arts delivering £588m in health benefits for Wales – report
Engagement with the arts in Wales is worth at least £588 million per year in health and productivity benefits, "landmark" research claims
www.thestage.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 5:04 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
"Creative talent isn’t the preserve of white middle-class people with social capital, but if nothing changes then we will find that these are the only people able to get ahead in the sector.” - Head of BECTU, Philippa Childs

BECTU's Big Survey 25 report: bectu.org.uk/bectu-big-su...
January 27, 2026 at 12:58 PM