This book considers how employers in theatre production can ensure that the creative process be accessible, sustainable and equal. Reviewer Lucy Ellen Rix discovers that, although progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.
Investigating the question of artmaking as work, Theatre Work considers how employers in theatre production can ensure that this creative process be accessible, sustainable and equal.
The authors both work in the industry in the US and UAE, with a wealth of production experience in stage management and lighting design, along with teaching responsibilities. As a reader with a similar background, I found that while many things rang true here, there was also a great deal that felt distant from my experience as a stage manager working in the UK.
It covers a journey looking at the past, the impact of the Covid-19 ‘pause’ on theatre in the US, and both writers' hopes for the future. They explore career access, hiring practices, pay equity, production and people operations and worker safety.
There has been a great deal of research that has gone into this book. In its preface, the authors state: ‘we aim to amplify voices of underrepresented workers’, something that was clearly part of their process, which we see through the interview transcripts peppered throughout. It is these that bring the book to life.
One details the only Deaf lighting designer (at the time of writing the book) working in American theatre, whose needs were frequently unconsidered at work. While she was provided with ASL interpreters, she was still required to use a headset and speak into it, something not every Deaf designer might be comfortable doing. There were parts of the theatrical language and vocabulary she was unaware of for years.
These stories show that while progress may have been made in the auditorium, with audience members with disabilities considered, the workers with disabilities are still having to fight for their basic access needs to be met.
Theatre Work is thorough in its approach, so would be a great asset to those studying Creative Producing or similar areas. For those in the industry, there are many useful ideas here for making the application and interview process for prospective colleagues more accessible, and gives solid guidance on looking after your employees' mental health.