The flagship professional, creative and business development programme for theatre makers in the Midlands
What is In Good Company
In Good Company is the flagship professional creative and business development programme for theatre makers and companies in the Midlands, providing mentorship, business support, resources and high-profile performance opportunities. In Good Company has transformed how artists and venues communicate and co-create exciting new performance platforms, commissions and touring networks.
In Good Company is led by independent producers who are actively working within the industry to produce and tour new work.
How Does It Work?
All the arts organisations are committed to the development of artists and, with strong links to educational institutions, they’re perfectly placed to nurture and nourish emerging artists as they establish themselves as artists of the future. The programme engages, inspires and ignites a family of regional artists. There are a range of opportunities for Midlands artists including; performance platforms, workshops, commissions, festivals, meet-ups, pitching sessions and bespoke mentoring.
We want to support the grassroots, and support them to make work and develop long term relationships that will support them in the future. Whether that be with other artists or venues.
Why Do We Need it?
Making theatre is really tough, especially for early career theatre makers, or makers that are trying to take the next leap in their practice to mid-career. We need to expand the critical mass of artists based in the Midlands, so that its reputation as a place where talent is supported and developed is enhanced and that we increase the diversification of voices making work.
This project is premised on the idea that a partnership between an artist or company and a venue is, in itself, an artistic activity. Where the artist brings ideas, inspiration and sound practice and the venue brings resources, collective expertise and, crucially, critical mass in the shape of an inquisitive audience.
We need to support companies at a crucial stage of development to become audience focused, financially robust and strategically connective, expanding their skill-set and artistic quality.
We need to develop arts venues propensity and ability to take risks in programming work from emerging artists, and encourage a sharing of resources and best practice between regional venues so that the Midlands becomes a joined-up and forward thinking region.
In Good Company is committed to increasing opportunities and support for all. We recognise the need within ‘all’ to be diverse and representative of the world we live in today. Therefore all includes (but is not exclusive of):
– People of colour
– People from non-British backgrounds
– Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Queer people
– Gender diverse people
– People from working class backgrounds
– D/deaf and Disabled people (including hidden disabilities)
In Good Company recognises that for some people lack of experience or knowledge can be a barrier to engagement, and we welcome all questions with regards to any opportunity we offer and will provide bespoke support to all who need it.
Where does the funding come from?
In Good Company is committed to supporting artists to make work and recognises the importance of paying them to do this. Throughout the three-year programme, £146,000 will be given directly to artists through the commissions, performance fees, seed funding and paid scratch nights.
The programme has been running for five years, and has received a further three years of funding confirmed by Arts Council England, in addition to ERDF funding through the D2N2 Big House project.
