Voluntary Arts online network with the thematic focus of ‘Theatre’ run monthly as part of the wider #CreativeNetwork programme.

Online sessions are held on the second Wednesday of the month between 9.30 - 10.30 am. You can access each meeting via the 'Join' button on the main #CreativeNetwork webpage: www.voluntaryarts.org/creativenetwork

We will continue to explore new blended practices and phased returns to performance; discussing how the current Government guidance* for performing arts has been put into practice.

The next session will be held on 9th September, where Malaika Cunningham, Artistic Director of The Bare Project will share their experience of adapting their interactive theatre show The People's Palace of Possibility for remote engagement.

Between these Zoom hosted sessions, you're welcome to join our Facebook group and attend other themed network session to keep sharing news, ideas and resources. 

On Wednesday 12 August we looked at 'Safety and quality in blended or phased returns'; with examples of digital and outdoor practice and resources from:


On Wednesday 8 July we discussed how professional and amateur theatre networks have adapted support and practices during the initial phases of lock-down, with:

  • Steph Meskell-Brocken, Chair, National Association of Youth Theatre (AD, Minerva Theatre) shared news about the networks suspension of membership fees, enabling more people to share in their resources, including online safe-guarding policies, and the regular NYATea, held every Monday to support youth theatre practitioners and sector survey to understand what families need to transition back.
  • Dale Freeman, CEO, National Operatic and Dramatic Association shared some of the regional support, digital reprogramming of conferences, AGMs and training - liaison with rights holders and the NODA insurance that has supported over 200 claims for cancelled performances. 
  • Ian Wainwright, Producer, Royal Shakespeare Company shared how the theatre’s community out- and in- reach has been affected by lockdown, the support for artists while working with 95% team on furlough (and in true lockdown style)  in parallel to overseeing a streamed production of ‘The Day the Crayons Went on Strike’ for Better Start Centres, performed by the actors preparing for RSC’s Spring/Summer production. 


We were joined previously by Charlotte Jones, CEO of the Independent Theatre Network

Links shared by other participants during sessions include:

To suggest a theme or for other comments and questions, contact [email protected] 

Theatre Resources

Collective Encounters have been running training events and sharing resources via the Centre for Excellence in Participatory Theatre

Royal Shakespeare Company resources for practitioners

Outdoor Arts UK have resources including risk assessments available

Theatre Networks

You can find other useful umbrella bodies on our listings page.

* Guidance from the devolved governments and arts councils of England (ACE), Ireland (ACI) and Northern Ireland (ACNI), Scotland (Creative Scotland) and Wales (CCC/ACW) are also being continually updated.