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House of Lords to assess theatre skills gap

An inquiry will consider data regarding a future skills gap, the role of a creative education, and the need for greater diversity in theatre.

Christy Romer
2 min read

An inquiry into how the UK can nurture and develop the skills required to sustain theatre in the UK has been launched by the House of Lords.

It will be used as a case study for a wider examination of support for the creative industries, following the Government’s commitment to prioritising the sector in its upcoming Industrial Strategy.

Uncertain career path

Led by the Lords’ Communications Committee, the inquiry notes that the lack of a specific education route to a job in theatre has created an “uncertain career path” with “poorly paid entry level jobs”. It also recognises concerns about a decline in funding from local authorities, “the largest single source of revenue for the creative sector”.

“Routes to careers in theatre have never been simple or straight forward, as with most careers in the creative industries,” the inquiry states. “There is no one specific education route to a career in the creative industries, with many relying on family contacts or unpaid work placements.

“The increase in unpaid or poorly paid entry level roles leads to a narrowing of those in society who can reasonably aim for these careers.”

Issues to be addressed

The inquiry will consider the available data and information regarding a possible future skills gap in the industry and the role education plays in relation to schools and further education.

In addition, it will assess:

  • How the development and maintenance of roles in theatre supports and interacts with roles in the wider creative economy
  • The barriers to entry for the theatre sector, and if there is adequate funding available
  • The need for greater diversity in theatre, and how individuals of different backgrounds can be encouraged and supported to enter it
  • What role Government policy can play, how important tax incentives are to the industry, and how the UK can remain competitive globally.

The first oral evidence session took place yesterday, and the committee intends to produce a report before the end of the current parliamentary session.