As part of FST’s ongoing aim to reach and support more members in and across all areas of members’ organisations, during 2013/14 we established specialist forums in the areas of dance, producers and touring.
These forums were originally open only to FST members but following our successful pilot, in 2014/15 we are extending these events to the wider sector with the aim to enrich relationships across organisations and job roles.
Forum Aims:
- Knowledge Exchange
- Skill Sharing
- Peer Learning
- Networking
- Support & Informal Mentoring
- Specific Advocacy
Format:
The forums offer a knowledge exchange situation and their format is responsive and reflective of the attendees needs and suggestions. For example, the Producers Forum resulted in a comprehensive Producers Skills Audit, which is available to the Forum Members and helps them recognise each other’s areas of expertise. Each group is self-managing with the opportunity to determine what they would like from the forums in terms of speakers, training or general networking.
The forums are led by members with the main agenda items set based on attendee suggestions and not by FST. FST will coordinate the meetings, inviting speakers/trainers/ facilitators where appropriate.
Where & When
Each forum will meet twice a year with meetings around 2-3 hours long and will always include lunch to allow everyone time to network.
Locations will vary for each meeting with the aim to spread activity around Scotland as far as possible.
Who can attend
Following the successful pilot in 2013/14, the forums are now being opened up so anyone working within the professional dance, opera and theatre sector is eligible to attend.
Attendance of the forums is free for FST members as part of their annual membership fee. Non members are also welcome to attend for a fee of £10 for one forum meeting or £16 for both events taking place in the year (inclusive of VAT).
If you are interested in attending any of the forums, please contact Jo at jo.king@scottishtheatre.org to be sent information about the next meeting.