Freelancers Make Theatre Work
LightNews LightNews
banner
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Freelancers Make Theatre Work
@freelancersmake.bsky.social
2K followers 1.2K following 960 posts
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
Posts Replies Media Videos
freelancersmake.bsky.social
A new alliance, the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), has launched to remove barriers to touring, support cultural exchange & drive shared growth across the UK & EU.

They aim to turn political promises on cultural exchange into real action.

More here: culturecoalition.net
December 7, 2025 at 1:19 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Applications are now open for the Actors’ Trust Winter Grant, offering one off financial support, typically up to £350, for unexpected winter costs and bills. Applications are expected to close by Friday 19 December.

Details and how to apply:
www.actorstrust.org.uk/get-support/...
December 6, 2025 at 11:34 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
More than half of the respondents to Queercircle’s Let’s Create Change survey claimed they had been warned expressing certain views, in particular support for Palestine, ‘could jeopardise funding’.

www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/arts-wo...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 5, 2025 at 6:15 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
This year's Big Freelancer Survey once again shows an industry hanging on by a thread, that relies on unpaid and poorly paid freelance labour to continue functioning.

Read the full report on our website now here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/bigfreelance...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 5, 2025 at 11:11 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
The show must go on. But at what cost? And to who?

“...the narrative within the industry is that we should be grateful to have a job and shouldn’t complain or fight for change.”

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 5, 2025 at 9:15 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
We are buckling under the weight of immense pressure. How much longer can we hold on? And will the government take action before it is too late?' - Royal Central School of Speech and Drama principal Josette Bushell-Mingo

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #WeAreCreative #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture
December 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
'much of British theatre is functioning on the back of artists & freelancers, their free labour, maxed-out credit cards & payday loans. Immediately, that discounts large numbers of people from making any kind of art.'- Lyn Gardner, theatre critic & associate editor of The Stage⁠
December 4, 2025 at 11:25 AM
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
December 4, 2025 at 9:45 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
A new alliance, the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), has launched to remove barriers to touring, support cultural exchange & drive shared growth across the UK & EU.

They aim to turn political promises on cultural exchange into real action for artists, venues & audiences.

culturecoalition.net
December 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
The arts will play a key role in the government’s agenda. But, it is crucial that artists remain free to 'irritate, shame and annoy,' and highlight where society continues not to be a level playing field.

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture #Arts #ArtsAndCulture
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Curious about other advocacy groups and their work? Explore our growing list of remarkable organisations making a difference! 💪🎭

👉 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/advocating-b...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Advocacy #TheArts #ArtsAdvocacy
December 3, 2025 at 1:02 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Missed one of our amazing newsletters? Fear not! Here they all are...

freelancersmaketheatrework.com/newsletter/

Why not sign up too? 😉

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 3, 2025 at 8:32 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
More than half of the respondents to Queercircle’s Let’s Create Change survey claimed they had been warned expressing certain views, in particular support for Palestine, ‘could jeopardise funding’.

www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/arts-wo...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Arts workers feel organisations apply free speech values 'unevenly', report finds - Arts Professional
Funding and regulations are "being weaponised" against those speaking out about the ongoing conflict in Palestine and civil rights for transgender people, a
www.artsprofessional.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) was set up to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries.

@Bectu’s Philippa Childs thinks the sector needs to get behind it.

Via @ArtsPro www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...
December 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
🌍🎭 FMTW Climate Crisis Resources 🌍🎭

Practical Guidance: Steps freelancers can take to reduce environmental impact.
Creative Inspiration: How the arts can drive meaningful change.
Community Action: Connect with others working for a greener industry.

freelancersmaketheatrework.com/climatecrisis
December 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
“I believe theatre will always prevail, but we need support, and we need it to be viewed with genuine respect.” - Andrew Scott, Actor.

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Theatre #UKTheatre #UKArts #SaveTheArts
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Our response in @TheStage to the new levy on overnight trips announced last week and the additional financial burden that could be passed on to freelancers.

Read the full article here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/freelan...

#TouristTax #OvernightLevy #UKBudget #Budget #Budget2025
December 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Want to know what’s happening in the industry that impacts you? Visit the ‘In the News’ page on the #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork website.

We update it daily with the latest stories and developments that matter to arts freelancers.

🔗 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/in-the-news/
December 1, 2025 at 12:09 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Actors’ Trust has opened applications for its Winter Grant, offering one off support, typically up to £350, for professional actors and stage managers facing unexpected bills or costs.

Apply before Friday 19 December and read the full criteria here:
www.actorstrust.org.uk/get-support/...
December 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
There is an exodus of freelance theatre professionals – particularly in areas like stage management and wardrobe. To address this, Actors’ Trust has expanded its support services, as CEO Alison Wyman explains: www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
November 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Counterpoints Arts director Almir Koldzic told Arts Professional he hopes encouraging arts sector participation in next year’s Refugee Week will inspire action amid ‘a new wave of xenophobia’.

www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/arts-or...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Arts organisations must show 'solidarity' amid anti-refugee threats, open letter urges - Arts Professional
The culture sector risks tipping into “self-censorship” if organisations become too fearful to show solidarity to refugees, migrants and other racialised
www.artsprofessional.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 9:30 AM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Due to the nature of freelance employment & lack of a sector specific tax code, it is impossible to collect much data.

When a freelancer goes out of business they do so so quietly that unless you’re really listening, you won’t hear a thing.

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
November 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
Our response in @TheStage to the new levy on overnight trips announced earlier this week and the additional financial burden that could be passed on to freelancers.

Read the full article here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/freelan...

#TouristTax #OvernightLevy #UKBudget #Budget #Budget2025 #Theatre
November 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
The @bectu Guide to Good Practice on Touring Productions is a ‘living document ’that will be adjusted & refined as trends across the industry become clearer & as better examples of good practice evolve into standard practice.

union.bectu.org.uk/resource/bec...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Bectu Guide to Good Practice on Touring Productions June 2023
National Secretary
union.bectu.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 12:45 PM
freelancersmake.bsky.social
"We have a world-leading community of theatre practitioners who are living on breadline wages, unable to support their families." - Equity.

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture #Arts #ArtsAndCulture #UKTheatre
November 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM