This report was written by Freelancers Make Theatre Work and includes data gathered from over 90 producing organisations throughout the UK. The purpose of the study was to gather data on the relationship between performing arts organisations and freelance theatre workers.
Summary of key findings:
- Prior to COVID-19, performing arts organisations spent 39.4% of their annual turnover on freelancers
- 80.6% of the workforce on a typical production were freelancers
- 91.8% of organisations reported that they are extremely or very concerned about the contraction of the freelance workforce
- 77.6% of organisations reported that they are extremely concerned about sustaining and developing a diverse freelance workforce
- 91.8% of organisations reported that they are extremely or very concerned about the loss of freelance experience and leadership
- 83.7% of organisations reported that freelancers are essential to their organisations starting to make work again
- 80.6% of organisations reported that freelancers are essential to their organisations’ long-term recovery plans