The Freelancers in the Dark research project has highlighted the uncertain future faced by freelancers in the UK theatre industry as a result of the impact of COVID-19. The project, which is led by the University of Essex’s East 15 Acting School, along with Queen’s University Belfast and Manchester Metropolitan University, has looked at the impact of COVID-19 on creative freelancers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The survey found that 72 per cent of freelancers were now more pessimistic about their future in the theatre industry, while almost half said that they felt unsupported by former or current employers. Just 18.9 per cent said they felt quite or very supported by employers.
The report also criticised the government’s response to COVID-19 and its support for the theatre sector, saying that “[the] response to the pandemic failed to recognise how live theatre operates or the crucial contribution that the arts provide to the UK economy”. Respondents to the survey described funding support as rigid, with many also having failed to access financial support.
The survey did reveal that 62 per cent of respondents had developed skills or gained new ones since the onset of the pandemic. Meanwhile, increased advocacy and activism for freelancer support were described as a positive outcome of the pandemic. Peer support and networks developed between freelancers were also described as helping workers become more optimistic during the pandemic.
However, despite such positives, the study said that the pandemic had caused long-term instability in the theatre sector and that it will require years of recovery on a financial, institutional and cultural level.
Dr Holly Maples of the East 15 Acting School, University of Essex, said: “Our research into the experiences of freelance theatre workers has revealed diverse insights into the current state of the UK’s theatre sector as we continue to deal with the unprecedented ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“It is vital that this important group of theatre workers is reflected in industry change that emerges from the pandemic, reflecting their deep-rooted anxiety that their identity as artists had been damaged by national lockdowns and theatre closures.”
The survey’s findings will be used to provide feedback for the government and arts councils to help drive positive change within the theatre sector.
