Issue 1: Staff it with Skill

Convener: Nick

Participants:Nick, Chris, Phelim


Summary of Discussion:

The company’s producer and artistic directors shouldn’t be expected to manage and deliver a participatory programme.

TBAI need a dedicated member of staff who will be able to work closely and strategically with the producer & directors on developing the programme. It forms a core part of the work, as much and as closely as producing shows does. It isn’t an add on.

This person needs to be:

An expert in participation (depending on the scope of the work)
A project manager to make stuff happen, cook up ideas with the artistic principles of TBAI in mind etc
A facilitator aware and engaged in TBAI’s style

This person has the skill and can ensure other members of the company also understand and experience it too.

The example given was TBAI’s co-prod with Drum Theatre on Fahrenheit Twins. TBAI produced a great education pack for teachers though this was done by one of the producers of the show and a bit of a challenge. Paul & Hayley delivered some good workshops but it was at a really bad time because the show had just opened and they had other pressures too. A dedicated Participation Director (?) could facilitate this, or employ freelance associates to deliver such work. It also helps the co-production element of the work as it means a company and venue can work closely in a dedicated way of this.

Other companies to look at:
- Frantic
- Theatre Centre
- Traveling Light

Participation programmes can engage with people who after time can become associates to deliver work in the style.

Ensuring trust of quality of delivery by someone other than the performers or artistic directors is a big issue, but again a part of the PD’s job. And a potential project in itself, recruiting other Idiots.