Freelancers Make Theatre Work
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. linktr.ee/FMTW
#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
- 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
- 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...
- "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-...
- #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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- ‘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
- 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...
- 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"
- 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 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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...
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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 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
- 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
- "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...
- Designed specifically with freelancers in mind, the Creative Freelancer’s Climate Almanac is a companion for artists, independent creatives, community practitioners and producers, created by Julie’s Bicycle. juliesbicycle.com/resource/cre... #ArtsAndClimate #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
- Hope Mill Theatre bosses have called for ongoing support of fringe theatres in challenging times, warning that venues such as theirs can often get missed out of conversations. Read more here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/hope-mi... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #FringeTheatre #TheArts"
- 'As an industry, we tend to do things the way they’ve always been done, while competing for the diminishing spoils. But we need to be open to new ideas, people, sources of funding and ways of working.' - Mildred Yuan, talent agent, diversity advisor and career coach.
- Want to know about the latest industry news affecting you? Head to the ‘In the News’ section on the #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork website! We share daily updates with stories & insights that matter to arts freelancers. 🔗 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/in-the-news/ #Theatre #UKTheatre #UKArts
- Freelancers Make Theatre Work began as a campaign group by freelancers for freelancers. We are now exploring growing into a national body for performing arts freelancers and your input matters. Fill in our consultation survey: forms.gle/GGTKH4EMjxCP...
- The government has announced a £1.5 billion investment to stabilise and renew England’s cultural infrastructure. @CultureCommons sets out what’s in the package, how the sector has responded, and why it matters for communities across the country. 👉 www.culturecommons.uk/news/15bn-fo...
- Have you seen a report with recommendations that affect arts freelancers? We have already gathered 100 plus reports to feed into our consultation, but we are still looking for more, no matter how big or small. Drop your link in our shared suggestions document: buff.ly/gsKN901 #ArtsPolicy
- New way to take part in our consultation! We are now offering 30 minute 1 to 1 Zoom chats with freelancers to talk through the consultation questions. It is informal, no prep needed, and it can be easier than filling in a form. Book a slot here: buff.ly/yYVG8Zr Written submission: buff.ly/wODvNJb
- ‘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
- Lisa Nandy has pledged £1.5bn for cultural organisations by 2030, including £80m of capital investment for Arts Council England-funded companies. Read more here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/lisa-na... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
- UK government announces £1.5bn for cultural infrastructure, good news for venues. But what does it mean for freelancers, pay, and sustainable work? We can’t live on trickle down. freelancersmaketheatrework.com/1-5bn-for-cu... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
- The government has announced a £1.5 billion investment to stabilise and renew England’s cultural infrastructure. @CultureCommons sets out what’s in the package, how the sector has responded, and why it matters for communities across the country. 👉 www.culturecommons.uk/news/15bn-fo...
- Freelancers deserve a seat at the climate table. Our 'Climate Asks' page lays out what we believe needs to happen - from bold policy shifts to better working conditions. 🔗 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/climatecrisis/climateasks #ClimateJustice #TheatreFreelancers #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
- Reposted by Freelancers Make Theatre WorkYesterday, the Welsh Government published their final 2026-27 Budget, and increased culture investment for the second year on the trot 🐎
- "Working conditions in the performing arts are not sustainable. It’s now more difficult than five years ago to sustain a living wage”. - Professor Almuth McDowall from Birkbeck’s Department of Organizational Psychology
- '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
- We are reshaping Freelancers Make Theatre Work as a national body led by freelancers, and we want your input. Fill in our short consultation and tell us what you need and what we should focus on here: forms.gle/GGTKH4EMjxCP...
- "Drama instigates debate and changes lives. When civic life is under assault – theatres can play a vital role in restoring it" - Dan Hutton - Freelance director, theatre-maker, dramaturg and facilitator #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Theatre #UKTheatre #UKArts #SaveTheArts
- 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: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Book a 30 minute 1 to 1 call: form.jotform.com/260183209828...
- Lisa Nandy has pledged £1.5bn for cultural organisations by 2030, including £80m of capital investment for Arts Council England-funded companies. Read more here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/lisa-na... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
- New way to take part in our consultation! We are now offering 30 minute 1 to 1 Zoom chats with freelancers to talk through the consultation questions. It is informal, no prep needed, and it can be easier than filling in a form. Book a slot here: buff.ly/yYVG8Zr Written submission: buff.ly/wODvNJb
- Art could save your life! "People who regularly go to the theatre, live music, museums or galleries have nearly half the risk of depression." - Daisy Fancourt, Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London. Read more in the Guardian: www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Book a 30 minute 1 to 1 call: form.jotform.com/260183209828...
