Theatre

A union is urging backstage theatre workers to check their contracts for clauses that prevent them talking about their rates of pay.

Bectu said many backstage theatre contracts include such clauses, which aim to keep terms and wages confidential.

The union believes the clauses should not be included and may be used to hide unfair pay practices.

It said The Equality Act 2010, and in particular Section 77, protects "the right that employees can legally discuss their work pay with colleagues".

The legislation states that employers "should not discipline anyone for discussing their work pay" and "should not include clauses in employee contracts that prevent workers from talking about pay".

The union stressed that the law only protects employees when discussing pay for the purpose of establishing an unfair pay issue in a workplace.

Bectu Assistant National Secretary Helen Ryan said: “It’s no secret that low pay is one of the core issues driving the chronic skills shortage in the UK theatre sector.

"We want to help implement pay consistency across the industry so it’s imperative that workers aren’t wrongfully bound by clauses that prevent them from discussing their pay, or allow for disciplinary action for doing so."

She added: “Productions we have spoken to about this have overwhelmingly responded positively and removed the clause, which we hope will encourage people to call out these clauses when they see them."

UK theatres need additional funding to make them more sustainable, the national advisory body for theatres has said.

Jon Morgan, Director of Theatres Trust, said “a record number of applications” for the Trust’s Theatre Improvement Scheme “shows the urgent need for funding for sustainability improvements”.

Seven theatres across the UK have received funding awards totalling £124,000 in the latest round of the scheme, which is supported by the Wolfson Foundation.

The funded projects demonstrate “the range of ways that theatres can make a difference,” Morgan said.

He added: “This grants scheme, along with our ongoing work on the Theatre Green Book, is part of our overall mission to make theatres more sustainable.”

Funded projects include the Grade-II listed Leeds Grand Theatre, which aims to reduce its water use by up to 50% with new taps, toilet flushes and shower valves.

The Garage in Norwich is using its funding to install solar panels and LEDs, reducing its lighting energy use by up to 80%.

The other funded venues are: New Diorama Theatre in London; the Old Fire Station, Oxford; Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle; An Lanntair in Stornoway; and Cast in Doncaster.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “At this time of high energy costs, we know that improving the environmental and financial sustainability of buildings has renewed urgency for the sector.

“These seven projects are excellent examples of the practical changes organisations can make.”

The next round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme is now open for applications, with £115,000 to be awarded in grants of up to £20,000.

A new theatre initiative in Sheffield hopes to provide opportunities for young people of African and Caribbean heritage in the city.

Utopia Theatre, an ACE National Portfolio Organisation formed in 2012, said its Youth Academy will run performing arts classes and workshops for children and young people aged nine–19, as well as providing mentoring and training in all aspects of theatre.

Using African oral storytelling and performance techniques, the academy will develop performing talent and offer career advice.

Utopia’s founder and director Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju said this was “a pivotal moment” for the company.

She explained: “The launch of the academy responds to the inequalities and shortage of opportunities for black youths to pursue a career in the arts.

“Utopia Theatre provides a strong role model and has developed community partnerships over the last four years to address issues that affect the black community in Sheffield.

“This is an opportunity for our youth academy members to build their life and creative skills, starting a cycle of learners who are positively impacting each other’s lives.”

Utopia hopes to attract around 100 young people to the scheme. No acting or drama experience is needed to take part.

Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre will close in April to undergo a £29m renovation.

The project will see the venue equipped with a new cinema, dance studios and a new circle area added to the main performance space, increasing capacity from 622 to 900.

Redevelopment works are expected to last a year, after being approved by South Somerset District Council.

The council’s portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, Mike Best, commented: "The redevelopment will better enable the arts to reach out into the community".

"And there will be opportunities to develop a more considered culture offer across the county."

The operator of more than 30 UK theatres is to combine operations with a New York-based venue owner and producer.

International Entertainment Holdings Limited, parent company of Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), has agreed a merger deal with Broadway theatre and production company Jujamcyn Theaters LLC.

Together, the parties hope to combine production and venue resources, including expertise in ticketing, to “continue pushing the boundaries of live entertainment and enhance our theatres and customer experiences”.

ATG has presented blockbuster shows including Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Its ATGtickets.com ticketing platform claims to attract more than 40 million unique visitors annually.

Jujamcyn owns five Broadway theatres and its current productions include the Tony Award-winning musical, Moulin Rouge.

Jordan Roth, President of Jujamycn, said: “Our companies share a passion for innovation and hospitality as well a deep belief in the power of theatre.

“By bringing our teams and talents together, we can bring out the best in each other to deliver that vision.”

Mark Cornell, CEO of ATG, said: “Our combined expertise and capabilities will enable producers and other creatives to bring their visions to life and create the unimaginable for our audiences”.

Subject to regulatory approval, the merger is expected to be completed this year.