Touring theatre companies
There are many more touring theatre companies than building-based theatres. A company of this type tends to employ a small team all year round and will take on additional self-employed people for touring, including a tour booker, a stage manager, a tour manager, technicians etc.
In smaller companies, many of these roles will be performed by one talented (and frequently highly stressed-out) individual who may look after sound and lighting, be responsible for getting the actors to the right place at the right time and even drive the van. Larger touring companies employ more people, who tend to have more specialised roles.
Verity Leigh is administrative producer for Manchester-based touring theatre company Quarantine. She says: "There are only four of us working for Quarantine, and the other three are the artists who set the company up.
“My job is very wide ranging. I answer the phone and sort out the petty cash as well as doing more strategic management and development work.”
When Quarantine is on tour, Verity says the company needs additional support and employs a freelance creative team, a production manager and sometimes a marketing and PR person.
Some touring theatre companies and associations
“It is hard work to get into the mainstream of the arts, and especially for a black or minority ethnic person. Programmes such as ITC Fast Track are a wonderful opportunity.”
Shipra Ogra, 31, project coordinator, London Bubble Theatre Company
“Get as much experience in all roles of theatre as you can”
Miri Birch, 23, costume supervisor White Horse Theatre Company
