The national conversation about the performing arts
Riddley (twelve years old) had called a session because he loves voice over acting particularly in video games and in comedy sketches.. he wanted to know more. Read more
This is a session I have called at several D&Ds before because it is my motto or working hypothesis or my modus operandi or something like that. And I’m always curious what ‘your life is a work of art’ means to others. It is becoming the framework for how I bring my skills and experience together to help people who are facing some life transition and who want to stop ignoring their creative yearnings and learn how to integrate the miraculous with the mundane and experience life as a work of art. Read more
How to decenter the director and create a more collaborative rehearsal room. Read more
Exploring the notion of the ideal creative retreat sparks a journey into the heart of artistic sanctuaries, where innovation meets serenity. Read more
I am a visual artist, basically I have difficulties with writing, made worse with computers. I am trying to find quick ways of recording the stories I have and inventing new ones. Report by Jonathan Swain Read more
This session was called by an attendee who was sitting in the big circle at the beginning of D and D feeling a lot of resistance toward proposing a session, and wondering if anyone else was feeling it...and so deciding to call a session on this precise question. Read more
How to we as culture workers and artists support people in the same sector in Gaza and the West Bank during this military siege and genocide, how to we organise in our own workplaces and sector and how do we use our skills? Read more
This was a session called the day after we heard the news of Harrison’s passing. Harrison was honoured in the closing circle and this session was called whilst this news was very live. This was an action focused session on Monday the third day of open space. I used Otter AI to record a transcript and then i asked Chat GPT to summarise themes and look for action points and then also asked to note anything surprising in the discussion. Read more
I loved the chance to call this session because an unexpected interest in the classics that arose last year remains alive in me and is influencing how I experience and reflect on the importance of art. And I figured that others in the room might have Greek drama angles on the topic - or whatever else. Read more
Some comments by amazing doll makers. Read more
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Hosted by Simone Lewis In attendance: Ruth Cooper Ali Ford Rachel Griffiths Anthony Haddon Elvi Piper Sarah Myers Jo Clowser Discussion included: Importance of identifying what provision is already in place, mapping the current arts ecosystem and identifying what would be different about this space. What differing possibilities do we want the space to provide? - Provision for the community - A home for artists - Linking existing groups/festivals/events as a central signposting hu Read more
This session was called to investigate whether independent artists could make a difference to reinvigorating the Local Artistic scene without reliance on large venues. Report by Tyrell Jones. Read more
Discussion about experience of the feeling of guilt when you have an invisible disability. Some resources and organisations are mentioned at the top of the post and throughout. Read more
Creating a theatre/art space in Leeds for families, children, and young people. Read more
After 14 years of Tory rulers bashing us over the head with the word "Austerity", which if you say it several times sounds like "All stare at tea", there is only one antedote to this intentional Tory mind numbing, gas lighting, brain washing and that is to look them in the eye and without blinking and say "Abundance". And if you say that several times then it sounds like "A bun dance" which is the best thing you can do to resist! Read more
I came across the question in a poem called "The Vertical Interrogation of Strangers" by Bhanu Kepil. This is an offer to a group to begin without talking. In order to let us step into the journey of "not talking" gradually, I structured the session as follows: 5 min silence, 5 min reflection; 10 min silence, 5 min reflection; 20 min silence, 5 min reflection; 30 min silence, 5 min reflection. I ran experiment #1 with In Cahoots, an informal collective of drama/theatre practitioners in Leeds Read more
This was a discussion about how we as a community might be able to share practice, continue to learn from each other even if established in our careers, and develop such an innovation as a ‘Show Doctor.’ Read more
The session title: 'I want to make a show for/with M/Others who feel lost or felt lost. Please Help!' Lucy Smith Read more
A Report from the session called by Alex Chisholm and Matilda Leyser asking how can we care for our families (especially neurodiverse families), making theatre/Art (especially inclusive theatre), AND ourselves Read more
An invitation from Amy to settle down and 'play' the Yes And...improv game where we each build on the positive creations of our fellow theatremakers. Read more
Kirsty Smith and Henrietta Duckworth shared project in development – This Girl Did. Today women & girls across Bradford are forging England’s cricket future with no idea they’re also building on its past. In this site-specific new play by Kirsty Smith, an undiscovered story of female sporting achievement collides with the modern world of Yorkshire cricket as we learn that This Girl Can because This Girl Did. This Girl Did – a hyperlocal, place-based, co-created cultural project with uni Read more
Session called by Sarah Calver Read more
D&D chat overview (I have a recorded version of this which I will try and transcribe asap. Discussion called by Sarah Calver Read more
A conversation about why bullying takes place in theatre, the difficulties in discussing and reporting it, and the importance of communication to heal from it. Read more
A wide-ranging discussion took place about how and whether theatre could be so powerful as to prevent the end of our world. We began hopelessly but there was a light at the end of the tunnel... Read more
An investigation into whether we're willing to make sacrifices in other ways, when we choose to live our lives as creative artists. Read more
‘Without language the only people the rebels can kill are themselves.’ Kathy Acker: Punk, Persian, and connections to Leeds Read more
A discussion of whether theatre is something which matters more or less urgently in tough times. And if it does, how can we support each other better to have adult, honest conversations about funding and resources that prioritise taking care of the artists who are frontline, and organisations who are precarious aswell as participants and audiences. We also dreamt a bit about different funding models and tried to work out why so much larger-scale programming isn't sufficiently activist to speak Read more
I have mainly produced in outdoor/touring and nomadic producing companies. I haven't worked in a building at a senior level and don't have a real grasp of the different financial models for buildings. I do know buildings are facing huge financial challenges to even stay open and it's changing the way we need to work together. I am keen to better understand the major challenges facing buildings right now to both a) help me navigate our own way forward and shape our thinking about how we work (at Read more
Mindmap of ideas relating to why we should, and why we do, continue to put on, work with, and learn about Shakespeare. Read more
Report on session on Climate Conscious Theatre, 12pm session on Day One of Devoted and Disgruntled 19 Read more
Report on session delivered at 4.30-6pm on Day One of Devoted and Disgruntled 19, convened by Matilda Leyser, report by Ben Harrison Read more
Summary of discussion which took place in an online/in-person session at DandD Sat 16th March. Topic: What ever happened to the online revolution? How can reclaim the reach and access we gained by making online and hybrid work, now that we no longer “need” it? Read more
This session consisted of two one-on-one discussions. Read more
Overview: The anti-immigration bill pushed by the Conservative Government in the December of 2023 - which outlined how immigrants making less than £38,000 were not to be given Visas (both work and spousal) - has thankly been pushed back due to public pressure. Yet the fight is far from over. The opposition (at this point a probable government in waiting) resisted the passing of the bill on grounds of efficiency rather than ethics. In other words, this means far more extreme anti-immigration Read more
To look at what problems/challenges do freelance produce face now, and what could be done/changed/developed to make the landscape better for them/us and all the industry going forward. We had a a great group of world wise and in training sharing ideas, experiences, frustrations and wisdoms: Julia Salkin, Josh Clayton, Patricia Akoli, Chris Dean-Foster, Henri Duckworth, Alice Massey, Rachel Coates and Chris Grady (scribe). Below are three [A]-[C] resulting ideas which could benefit from pos Read more
Giving forms of theatre that need to die a good funeral Read more
A discussion took place about the value of reviewing in theatre and the performing arts. Has the reviewing landscape changed since Covid 19? What is the real value of reviewing? Read more
VAULF Festival has now been cancelled for good after 10 years running. When Edinburgh Fringe is not an option, where do we go to achieve the same scale? Read more
How can challenging the way an audience experiences/is involved in a work create a space to break down barriers, discover universality, build community and address collective trauma? How can we use the shared experience of theatre to make connections and bring about understanding? Read more
How theatre can benefit from learning and exchange with other disciplines to become more responsive, impactful, and and genuinely innovative. Read more
Two people who aren't from the UK gathering information about theatres/companies/alternative venues that commission/put on interesting queer work and who are open to experiential/immersive performances that are movement-based. Read more
Discussing the possibilities of community ownership of music venues in Oxford to help bring about more venues. Read more
Discussion with Jo Frost (Sofar Sounds), Victoria (OCM), Duncan Robers, Colin May, Rob Cunningham Read more
How can we connect the network of musicians in Oxford to provide opportunities for each other? Read more
Thinking about the elements of wellbeing and how music can promote these for the community. Read more
Discussion group during Session 3 from the D&D in Canterbury on 14.01.23 Read more
Don't know what session to call for? Roll a six-sided die and find out! Read more
'Or is it just me?" Where are the Gypsy, Roma(ni), Traveller (New, Old, Scottish, Irish, and more), Showmen, Boaters + in the performing arts? Read more
Amy Clare Tasker is writing a ukulele musical. This session was an invitation to end the day with music and joy. Read more
Report from a session called in D&D 2023 Read more
Session called in D&D 2023 Read more
Ideas for a manifesto for freelancers to improve pay/working conditions/relationships/life Read more
Exploring ways of using playfulness and creativity to try and bring about political change Read more
This was a session intended to focus on ways of integrating British Sign Language within a play (as opposed to having a play interpreted by BSL interpreters who are not characters in the play). Read more
We talked about the resources we have in Folkestone (venues, networks, theatres, shops) and also thought about what we are missing/ what we want. And the actioning of how we get it and move forward. Read more
A session to discuss the current state of touring for companies, Artists and venues. Read more
Are we experiencing more bullying or bad behaviour in post covid post brexit land? What can we do? Read more
Full report for The Gathering: How might we create an arts-led learning community, for children and adults, in person and online? Read more
Reports from D&D Online 2022 (Saturday 19 - Monday 21 March): What are we going to do about theatre and the performing arts? Read more
The final report from an online D&D Satellite in November that asked the question: "What is Home? Finding Belonging in Uncertain Times" Read more
'How can we make Croydon's social scene truly accessible?' Final report for the D&D programmed as part of Drunken Chorus' 'A Bit of a Do' Festival with Gig Buddies Croydon. Read more
Reports from Devoted & Disgruntled at Global Improvisation Initiative Symposium 2021 (Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 June): How is the world transforming improvisation? How can impro transform the world? Read more
Reports from Devoted & Disgruntled 2021 (Saturday 6 - Monday 8 February): What the f**k are we going to do about theatre and the performing arts? Read more
Time For Respair (#TimeForRespair) is a series of online conversations, co-hosted by Improbable and Battersea Arts Centre, exploring how the theatre and performing arts sectors respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first events took place online in May and June 2020. You can find out more about what was discussed in the reports (available online). Read more
A discussion of the similarities and differences of women's roles in politics and the arts from D&D satellite: What can we do to support and represent awesome women in the arts? Read more
This Discussion took place on place on 6th March 2020 at Boulevard Theatre in Soho. The workshop was titled "What can mental health workers and Deaf artists do together to improve care for Deaf people? My breakout session took place after lunch, where there was a mixture of Deaf and hearing participants. Read more
Theatre companies and freelancers popped in during this ten minute session from 12pm. Read more
A #DandD15 session on impact, called and reported by Tassos Stevens Read more
Some specific ideas about how to work on a solo show. Some examples. A few places to perform and develop. Read more
We (as it is theatre - as-it-is.co.uk) are currently working on developing a theatre piece. Working title: ‘My Man and Me’. We are at the beginning of our R&D and I felt myself, as Phelim described in the opening circle, rising-up out of my chair, walking across to the middle of the circle and writing and calling this session to invite people to talk about masculinity. Open Space worked its magic, e.g. made it possible to get out of the way and let real conversation happen. Understandings Read more
A session with the title question: On the "political leanings" board, almost all the dots are on the left. Does this matter? Read more
This discussion group tried to help participants understand why unexpected sections of society may want to help the performing arts, and to help theatre practitioners understand that they are selling a valuable commodity - access to and engagement with socially "cool" and exciting activities. The purpose was also to give theatre practitioners courage to seek help and financial support, and not to be embarrassed about asking. It also looked at who to ask and how to ask. Read more
A session called by Kate Maravan at DandD15 . How do we define 'emerging' artist? Who qualifies and who is excluded? Isn’t 'emerging' a continual process? Different stages of our work and artistry emerge at different points of our career/life. At each stage voices are valid and worth listening to. Read more
I called this session because - as a black woman running a black theatre company with a commitment to black artists and black audiences - I see a lot of black work. Some works are courageously - and rightly - turning their lens on whiteness but in doing so, have created painful experiences for me and other black people - who, by the way, have to hide in DMs or WhatsApp groups to be able to safely critique the work because we feel disloyal speaking about our experiences publicly. Across two weeks Read more
I've been leading a staff team for five years and trying to balance the promotion and facilitation of healthy, balanced and well professional and personal lives with the desire to be efficient, effective and excellent. These things aren't mutually exclusive but sometimes they feel like they are. I - personally - go through phases of wellness and phases of powerful professional productivity but rarely are they are they at the same time. How can we - as managers and leaders - look after our workfo Read more
A wonderful conversation exploring our engagement with musical theatre as a form and what barriers are present, and what changes might be made going forward to create more work. Read more
Is there an appetite for a new type of union organising for Theatre + Performance Workers? An invitation to join the Design + Cultural Workers group of United Voices of the World, a new grass roots campaigning union for precarious workers, and discuss if it would be good to create a Theatre + Performance workers group within UVW. Read more
The aim of Future Forward is to create a theatre event that uses open space to envision 2050 and how we made it liveable. We are pitching this project to Improbable as a DnD Satellite Event. Read on for further details on other ideas we explored in our session. Read more
This was an invitation for people who self-identify as working class or under class to speak. Middle class people were welcomed too, to listen and ask questions. The session was attended by a mixture of people - working class, middle class and people who felt they had lived experiences associated with both classes. The conversation covered a lot - from deeply personal experiences to overarching structural barriers to be addressed. Read more
We started by talking about what was going well and ended up sharing our collective wisdom. I, for one, feel better after a chat like that. Read more
This session explored the idea of Directors Labs for UK performing arts sector. What came out was a need for a place and event where directors, choreographers, theatre makers can exchange their artistic practices and keep questioning the role of director in 21 Century. The structure of this networks and event will be explored further with D&D satellite session. A site is now secured directorslab.co.uk. Read more
Please help me do something with my solo show about coercive control. Radio play? Short Film? Read more
Discussing ways in which theatre as a whole can advocate for itself: what institutions to engage, what arguments to make and how to overcome apolitical charity status which restricts the capacity of theatres to advocate for themselves. A session focused on the political situation as it currently exists, not on how we would like it to be. Read more
How does and can theatre help audiences (and performers and theatre makers) make sense of their lives and the world around them? Read more
If we make work which really wakes people up to the challenges we are facing it could overwhelm them and cause inertia (see climate crisis fatigue, compassion fatigue) OR we tell stories about how someone will come along and fix these problems, so we go, ‘Oh good, someone else will sort this out.’ What is the third space which inspires the audience to take action themselves? Read more
The book A Job To Love, by School of Life, posits that we can form toxic relationships with our desired careers, as well as with partners, if we fail to really examine our desires and acknowledge that we have choices. Since reading this I have been sitting with the question of what would it be like to quit theatre; a thought which a few months ago made me feel physically sick to contemplate, but which now is giving me new perspectives. Here’s what this brought up for people: Read more
The desire for some sort of Shop Window bubbled up in several sessions on Day 1, calling for a space where you can: - OFFER YOUR SERVICE - VOICE WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR - ADVERTISE YOUR WORK - SEEK CONNECTION WITH SIMILAR OR CROSS-COMMUNITY THEATRE MAKERS This spurred me on to create a Website Session - an online resource to be used as people see fit. So here it is! Read more
How do we keep open to each other’s creative abilities whatever our age? Read more