As you know UK Theatre and SOLT signed, as industry bodies and on behalf of our membership, the shared theatre industry statement on sexual harassment and bullying. That statement, along with the list of individual signatories, is available here. Do let us know if you’d like your name to be added.
The conversation has continued since then, not least through the day of action organised by The Royal Court at the weekend, which Emma De Souza and Cassie Chadderton attended on behalf of SOLT and UK Theatre. As a result of the discussions on Saturday, Vicky Featherstone is intending to produce a set of recommendations for a code of behaviour that could be adopted across the industry. UK Theatre and SOLT will have the opportunity to see this before it goes out publicly.
We also think it is vital that many more voices from across the industry are able to contribute to this conversation, so UK Theatre and SOLT, working with other industry bodies such as the ITC, will hold some discussion sessions for colleagues in other areas of the industry and country. We believe that for lasting change to take place, there must be practical ways to embed the change. We need your views on how this can be achieved.
UK Theatre and SOLT will also be looking at further ways to provide support to the industry. This will include training (including, for example developing dignity at work policies, how to address inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, and how to communicate well in a crisis) and an exploration of how staff, including freelance workers, can be supported.
UK Theatre and SOLT intend to support the industry to put in place positive and sustainable change so that we have a strong and supportive culture and working practices in place.
Julian Bird, Chief Executive, SOLT and UK Theatre
Cassie Chadderton, Head of UK Theatre
Date Published: 01 November 2017
