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.
FINAL REMINDER: COVID-19 & Theatre: Fill in our one year on survey
The deadline to complete our latest survey to measure the impact of Covid-19 on our sector is 23.59 Thursday 11 March (tonight). It is to be completed by the self-employed and organisations (only one person per organisation to avoid duplication, please). You can download the questions here first to discuss with your colleagues. Email ceooffice@soltukt.co.uk if you have any questions.
Rapid Testing for all businesses in England
There has been a government announcement that free rapid testing is now available to all businesses, including those with fewer than 50 employees. This is extending the scheme that is already in place for businesses with over 50 employees and will be in place until the end of June. You must register on the online portal by 31 March to make use of the scheme.
Changes to Level 4 restrictions – Scotland
The First Minister announced that from Friday 12 March some restrictions will be eased and up to four adults from two households will be able to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational purposes as well as exercise. Outdoor non-contact sports and group exercise will also resume for adults in groups of up to 15 people from this date.
The First Minister has indicated that she hopes it will be possible to reduce some restrictions earlier than previously anticipated, with announcements on revised Tier systems expected in the coming weeks.
Theatre Sustainability
SOLT & UK Theatre are a supporter of the Theatre Green Book, a project being led by the Theatres Trust and ABTT. The Theatre Green Book has brought together theatre-makers and sustainability experts to create a common standard for making theatre sustainably. The Theatre Green Book will have three volumes:
- Sustainable Productions
- Sustainable Buildings
- Sustainable Operations
Sustainable Productions is available now in a beta version for trialling and it will be uploaded to the website this weekend. We encourage theatre-makers to start working with it as they plan re-opening shows and feedback their experience.
Less than one week to go until 16 March!
We would love for all of you, your organisations, and the casts of your shows to get involved with our selfie campaign on 16 March, to mark a year since theatre doors closed. Please take a selfie, holding a piece of paper displaying the following hashtags: #16March #TheatreArtistsFund. Please upload your selfie across social media channels at 10am on 16 March.
There will be a piece in The Times tomorrow about a new significant donation to the Theatre Artists Fund, and Liam Kelly is doing a piece in the Sunday Times looking back on the year and what’s ahead, with spokespeople from the industry.
REMINDER – Register for our upcoming Webinars
We have a new set of webinars scheduled for this month. All 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. This webinar will be BSL interpreted and captioned.
British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG)
The British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works for the benefit of all those who produce, distribute, and consume content made using radio spectrum in the UK. Spectrum is used for many purposes, including mobile communications, radio transmissions, TV broadcasts and wireless equipment.
As we begin to see light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel, BEIRG will push into 2021 with a new logo, new website, but the same determination to ensure that the UK Entertainment Industry has access to enough quantity and quality of spectrum to maintain its position as a world leader. For more information please visit the website.
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