Theatre company Middle Child moves to four-day week

Hull theatre company Middle Child is implementing a four-day week.

The company announced the move, which it says has been done to improve work-life balance for staff, alongside revealing its 2023 programme.

It becomes the latest in a line of arts organisations to announce four-day weeks. Last week, Manchester’s Contact theatre announced plans for a trial, while Flatpack Festival adopted the schedule permanently.

Middle Child is also set to pilot a new “financial access rider” scheme over the next 12 months, which will see them ask freelancers they work with what adjustments can be made around payment schedules, to make theatre more accessible to people from lower socio-economic background.

Artistic Director Paul Smith said the switch to a four-day week follows a successful pilot at the company.

“We know first-hand that the theatre industry can be a demanding and often unsustainable workplace. By moving to a four-day week, we hope to create a more sustainable and equitable workplace for everyone we work with,” he added.
 
“Today we talk the big talk, but from tomorrow we start putting our plan into action and doing everything we can to make sure everyone’s story can be told and heard, breaking down barriers to accessing theatre for all.”