New Diorama are not only a crutch for theatre companies but a support system.

Written in May 2018, initial thoughts on New Diorama Theatre's latest announcement and artist development

New Diorama Theatre’s latest announcement has got me thinking about venues and artists. Every time NDT launch a new artist development scheme everyone stops and admires the work that David Byrne and his team are doing but why has this got to be the exception, why can’t it be the norm for venues far and wide?

The work that David Byrne and NDT are doing is amazing. Not only for the fringe sector but for theatre as a whole. Artists are looking to them for support because they have a reputation for making things happen.

My theatre company recently appeared at the National Student Drama Festival but at the time of wanting to apply we did not have the money to pay for an entry. NDT’s Pickles Fund enabled this and I was amazed that only two companies used this vital support in 2018. Alongside Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, NDT supported us further to actually make the venture to the festival a reality. We made the ask and they were willing to have that conversation with us. A conversation which has now become a relationship.

They are not only a crutch for theatre companies but a support system. 

Venues are doing some amazing work in supporting artists. For example the work that Derby Theatre is doing with In Good Company is incredible and is something I always think about when looking into artist development opportunities. The work that Sheffield Theatres are doing with Making Room and all the opportunities that brings with it. Noise is being made but I still feel there is a divide in artists’ needs and the support venues provide.

I think the important thing to note though is that things are moving in the right direction but it's important to remember that things still need to be done and artists should be a part of that journey at every step.