Fringe Theatre – a title not loved – Independent Theatre preferred
- Convenor:
- Jan Watts
- Attendees:
- Liz Johns, Rachel Sambrooks, Graham Rose, Frank Bramwell, Tracey Briggs, Amanda Rosterd
- Description:
1. Fringe may suggest variety, but is also suggests a festival.
2. What we want is a rich tapestry of independent theatre
3. Lack of producers and sometimes directors
4. Lack of anyone or a body pushing it locally – we know that there is small scale independent theatre happening in London, Manchester and other cities.
5. We need more of this sort of theatre in the West Midlands, because it keeps practitioners here.
6. Also many people would rather go to this type of theatre than large scale stuff – but potential audiences need to know things are on.
7. Writers can have more responsibility and control over their work.
8. To buy or not to buy? Free events can generate more income than others e.g. Free Fringe at the Edinburgh. Free can help build audiences.
9. Need a network of affordable venues with people at each producing work – and then work moving from venue to venue – often work is produced for one night – it could go to other places, maybe.
10. Our Plan of Action
• An easily accessible pool of money that can be access by independents.
• A funded individual to co-ordinate the development of this kind of theatre ~ suggested £5 -10, 000
• Alternative places and times for theatre.
Envy – Pilot Night, Write on in Cambridge,