Workshop: Setting Up Your Own Performance Company!
Trying to find a window into the theatre scene is tough, whether you’re an actor, writer or director. One thing that everybody in the theatre world shares is passion. This often leads to individuals striving for a particular style or brand. Sometimes the only way to make this possible is to start your very own independent theatre company and release your own vision to the world.
Setting up a performance company is a fantastic method of showcasing work that you believe is lacking a specific context you really enjoy. For example, your passion may lie in ‘Comedy Performance’ which is why your program and company specialises particularly in that field.
There are a huge selection of independent theatres all over the UK. These range greatly in size, type and frequency of events and performances. These theatres provide an opportunity for young, developing actors, performers and writers to develop their skills and expand their experience in the arts and culture industry.
Omnibus Theatre, Clapham (90 seats)
Check out these 22 Independent Theatres in South London which have consistently provided a safe and comfortable environment for independent companies!
Task: Begin the Steps to Forming Your Company
You have been given a grant of £500 to begin developing your theatre company. It is now your opportunity to think about what you want to achieve in the company...
Have a think about the following questions...
- Can you think of an appropriate company name and slogan?
- What theatre genre do you want to concentrate on?
- What is unique about your business which will continue engagement with the public?
- How can I get the best use out of my £500 worth of funding?
It is important to research similar theatre companies to gain an understanding of what is achievable, original and feasible in the industry.
Take some time to answer these questions and begin to put your findings into the form of a pitch. It is important to present your ideas to others in order to retrieve both positive and negative feedback so that your developing company can maintain strength in the early initial stages.
Visualise that the person you are pitching your idea to is a potential client in the future. It is very important to impress future clients, so be sure to think how best to present your research, ideas and aspirations for your up and coming theatre company.
Our top three tips for this task:
- Research and plan
- Collect feedback and criticism to strengthen your model
- Aspire, act and you will achieve
Make sure you take time to reflect on and record the skills you've used and learnt in today's activity!