Since the 1960s RTYDS has been the UK’s foremost programme of paid professional development for theatre makers and directors. In the last 12 years we have led on change in leadership diversity working with theatres and companies across England.
Now it’s time to play fair.
The crisis of class representation in the arts is well established – but it isn’t being tackled.
Only 13% of the arts sector (ACE NPO data) comes from working class or low socio-economic backgrounds. The structures, practices, and models that dominate our industry continue to exclude, undervalue, and limit opportunities for artists from these backgrounds.
Fair Play is RTYDS’ programme of work which addresses the barriers experienced by working class artists, helping them to sustain careers so that they can remain in and thrive in the theatre industry.
“RTYDS is where it really all began; it made me the director and artistic director I am today.”
Natalie Ibu
Artistic Director, Northern Stage
Latest from RTYDS
Introducing the three Fair Play Associate Artistic Directors for our trailblazing leadership programme
We are very excited to name the first three theatre makers set to benefit from our trailblazing Fair Play Associate Artistic Director Residency scheme. The game-changing initiative is the only leadership programme of its kind in the UK, created specifically to offer mid-career directors or theatre makers who identify as working class or from a low socio-economic background the opportunity to progress to artistic leadership via paid training roles. With three leading partner venues announced as host venues earlier this year, we received more than 160 applications from creatives across the UK following an open call-out. Following a rigorous [...]