The below correspondence is posted here by kind permission from the Society of London Theatre
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is an organisation that works with and on behalf of their Members to champion theatre and the performing arts.
Budget 2021
Following yesterday’s budget announcement, we have published our statement on the SOLT and UK Theatre websites. You can also read a summary of the measures announced here. For many of the key elements, there is no more additional information available from government at this stage – we will update you as more details are released.
IMPORTANT ACTION: COVID-19 & Theatre: Fill in our one year on survey
The aim of this survey is to measure the impact of Covid on our sector one year on from theatres closing. Questions in here will allow us to track the impact from the first survey (March 2020) and the 6 Months survey (October 2020). This survey also has specific questions in relations to the roadmaps for reopening and the announcements made in the Budget this week.
It is to be completed by self-employed and organisations. Questions are to be completed by one person in your organisation to avoid duplication. Please confer with your colleagues if necessary. You can download the questions here first to discuss with them.
Unfortunately, you only have one week to complete this. Deadline is 23.59 Thursday 11 March. This short window is because it couldn’t be sent out until after the Budget, but needs to be back in time so we can analyse and then use the data in the 16 March campaign.
Email ceooffice@soltukt.co.uk if you have any questions.
Bob Swash
We sadly report the passing of Bob Swash earlier this week after a long illness. He was a past President of SOLT and for many years a key producing figure including on such shows as Evita, Joseph and Blood Brothers as well as long-running associations with Hammersmith and Bath.
Upcoming Webinars
We have a new set of webinars scheduled for this month. Details and registration links below:
- Marketing, Ticketing and Press Webinar – Thursday 18 March at 11am-11:45am. To register, please click here.
- Webinar for Freelancers, Self-employed, Casting and Agents – Thursday 18 March at 2.30pm-3.15pm. To register, please click here.
Reminder: 16 March
We are now less than a fortnight away from 16 March, the anniversary of theatres closing. We are marking the date with an industry-wide press and social campaign, highlighting the challenges still facing the industry, hopes for the future and what we need to reopen. There is a variety of activity taking place and we want to ensure it is as joined up as possible – so we can truly shine a spotlight on all aspects of our sectors.
Please help us spread the word to performers, theatre makers, industry colleagues and other relevant contacts, asking them to take part in our selfie campaign to help raise donations for the Theatre Artists Fund and highlight the very real need for those who a year on need support now. We particularly want people to commit to posting a selfie on their channels with the campaign hashtags on 16 March, so please get involved!
Full details of this request can be found in the PDF here, which you’re welcome to share with contacts (not publicly / via social media please).
Family Arts Campaign – Survey on online family arts engagement
Family Arts Campaign have launched a new survey for families, to find out more about their online family arts engagement during the pandemic. The research aims to help organisations plan future family arts events.
We’d very much appreciate if you could share with your family audiences via whatever channels may be possible. The survey closes on 12 March.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Coronavirus Recovery Guidance
- Coronavirus Recovery Updates and Guidance – for SOLT Members
- Coronavirus Recovery Updates and Guidance – for UK Theatre Members
- Media Briefing Notes
- See It Safely Toolkit
- Working Safely During Coronavirus – Guidance
- Coronavirus Government Guidance Library
Wellbeing and mental health support for you and your staff