Guide to routes in for new theatre-makers

New and emerging artists are being encouraged to bring their work to the North of England in a new online guide published by the Venues North group. ‘Routes In: A Guide to Getting New Work Programmed in the North of England’ offers advice on how to build relationships with venues and how to reach audiences. It gives details of each venue’s artistic policy and how to approach them, as well as guidance on finance and tips on getting work noticed by programmers.

Members of the Venues North group that have made a commitment to supporting new work include ARC, Stockton; Arts Centre Washington; Barnsley Civic; Harrogate Theatre; Hull Truck Theatre; Live Theatre, Newcastle; Unity Theatre, Liverpool; and West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds. The guide is a response to their experiences of being approached by artists and companies trying to get work programmed, and have it recognised regionally, nationally and internationally.

Annabel Turpin of ARC Stockton, who chairs Venues North, commented: “We believe that the process of touring and programming could be more effective, if only venues were more proactive about stating what they are and aren’t interested in, and if artists and companies were more targeted in their approach. Routes In is designed to help with this by providing clear information about artistic policies and programming processes.”