Freelancers Make Theatre Work
@freelancersmake.bsky.social
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
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Fair Play co-creative lead Caitriona Shoobridge on benefits system & the arts 'the choice is either to stay on the poverty line & do small amounts of work (harmful to career progression) or abandon benefits in the hope of success (harmful to survival).'
www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/thea...
www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/thea...
December 9, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Fair Play co-creative lead Caitriona Shoobridge on benefits system & the arts 'the choice is either to stay on the poverty line & do small amounts of work (harmful to career progression) or abandon benefits in the hope of success (harmful to survival).'
www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/thea...
www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/thea...
Culture pays!
Since 2009, UK City of Culture winners have seen £1bn+ in local investment, 22% tourism growth, boosted cultural funding & civic pride.
A new report from Warwick Business School breaks it down: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67fce7...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Since 2009, UK City of Culture winners have seen £1bn+ in local investment, 22% tourism growth, boosted cultural funding & civic pride.
A new report from Warwick Business School breaks it down: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67fce7...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
December 9, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Culture pays!
Since 2009, UK City of Culture winners have seen £1bn+ in local investment, 22% tourism growth, boosted cultural funding & civic pride.
A new report from Warwick Business School breaks it down: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67fce7...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Since 2009, UK City of Culture winners have seen £1bn+ in local investment, 22% tourism growth, boosted cultural funding & civic pride.
A new report from Warwick Business School breaks it down: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67fce7...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
🧠 Mental health matters. Check out our free wellbeing resources, from peer support to low-cost counselling, at freelancersmaketheatrework.com/wellbeing. #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
Wellbeing - Freelancers make theatre work
Now more than ever there is a need to address the question of Freelancer’s well-being. Use our Wellbeing resource to help find the right path for you.
freelancersmaketheatrework.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:11 AM
🧠 Mental health matters. Check out our free wellbeing resources, from peer support to low-cost counselling, at freelancersmaketheatrework.com/wellbeing. #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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
producergathering.com/resource/pause-for-producers/
@the-uncultured @producergathering
December 8, 2025 at 5:50 PM
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
producergathering.com/resource/pause-for-producers/
@the-uncultured @producergathering
We all need to be more vocal in supporting arts in our schools. A-level Music is down 43% since 2010, with under 5k in 2024. Only 16% of schools entered students into GCSE Dance, with entries down 59% to 6,723. A-level Dance just 960!
#ArtsInSchools #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
#ArtsInSchools #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 8, 2025 at 12:30 PM
We all need to be more vocal in supporting arts in our schools. A-level Music is down 43% since 2010, with under 5k in 2024. Only 16% of schools entered students into GCSE Dance, with entries down 59% to 6,723. A-level Dance just 960!
#ArtsInSchools #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
#ArtsInSchools #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
There’s no place for coercion, abuse, or sexual violence in the performing arts. We all must work together to end inappropriate behaviour.
If you or someone you know needs support, find a list of helpful resources here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/sexual-viole...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
If you or someone you know needs support, find a list of helpful resources here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/sexual-viole...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 8, 2025 at 8:21 AM
There’s no place for coercion, abuse, or sexual violence in the performing arts. We all must work together to end inappropriate behaviour.
If you or someone you know needs support, find a list of helpful resources here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/sexual-viole...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
If you or someone you know needs support, find a list of helpful resources here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/sexual-viole...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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
They aim to turn political promises on cultural exchange into real action.
More here: culturecoalition.net
December 7, 2025 at 1:19 PM
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
They aim to turn political promises on cultural exchange into real action.
More here: culturecoalition.net
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/...
Details and how to apply:
www.actorstrust.org.uk/get-support/...
December 6, 2025 at 11:34 AM
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/...
Details and how to apply:
www.actorstrust.org.uk/get-support/...
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
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/arts-wo...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 5, 2025 at 6:15 PM
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
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/arts-wo...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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
Read the full report on our website now here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/bigfreelance...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 5, 2025 at 11:11 AM
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
Read the full report on our website now here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/bigfreelance...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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
“...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
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
“...the narrative within the industry is that we should be grateful to have a job and shouldn’t complain or fight for change.”
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #WeAreCreative #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture
December 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #WeAreCreative #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture
'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
'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
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
freelancersmaketheatrework.com/financialsup...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 4, 2025 at 9:45 AM
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
freelancersmaketheatrework.com/financialsup...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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
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
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
They aim to turn political promises on cultural exchange into real action for artists, venues & audiences.
culturecoalition.net
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
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture #Arts #ArtsAndCulture
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture #Arts #ArtsAndCulture
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
👉 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/advocating-b...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Advocacy #TheArts #ArtsAdvocacy
December 3, 2025 at 1:02 PM
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
👉 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/advocating-b...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Advocacy #TheArts #ArtsAdvocacy
Missed one of our amazing newsletters? Fear not! Here they all are...
freelancersmaketheatrework.com/newsletter/
Why not sign up too? 😉
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
freelancersmaketheatrework.com/newsletter/
Why not sign up too? 😉
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
December 3, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Missed one of our amazing newsletters? Fear not! Here they all are...
freelancersmaketheatrework.com/newsletter/
Why not sign up too? 😉
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
freelancersmaketheatrework.com/newsletter/
Why not sign up too? 😉
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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
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
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
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/arts-wo...
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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...
@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
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...
@Bectu’s Philippa Childs thinks the sector needs to get behind it.
Via @ArtsPro www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...
🌍🎭 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
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
🌍🎭 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
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
“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
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Theatre #UKTheatre #UKArts #SaveTheArts
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
“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
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Theatre #UKTheatre #UKArts #SaveTheArts
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
Read the full article here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/freelan...
#TouristTax #OvernightLevy #UKBudget #Budget #Budget2025
December 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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
Read the full article here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/freelan...
#TouristTax #OvernightLevy #UKBudget #Budget #Budget2025
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/
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
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/
We update it daily with the latest stories and developments that matter to arts freelancers.
🔗 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/in-the-news/
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/...
Apply before Friday 19 December and read the full criteria here:
www.actorstrust.org.uk/get-support/...
December 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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/...
Apply before Friday 19 December and read the full criteria here:
www.actorstrust.org.uk/get-support/...