Ways you can help Staffordshire theatre organisations during the COVID-19 shut downs

He said live that venues “are a place where people come together, but the sad thing is that physically we need to keep people apart. We will review the situation each month to see if we can relax these measures.”

Many theatres and performance venues across Staffordshire, had already closed venues following the Prime Minister’s advice to “avoid” theatres earlier this week.

2. Buy venue memberships

A small way to give theatres cash injections (and to give yourselves perks and access to tickets for post-shotdown shows ahead of time) is to buy into membership, friend and loyalty schemes available on their websites. A win-win, if you have the means to help out in a financial way.

3.  Be kind and patient with front of house and box office staff

The front of house and box office staff are having to deal with 1000s of enquiries.  They will understand your frustration, and will be doing their best to deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible.  But let us rememebr this is not their decision, and no one wanted to not allow the show to go on.  So please dont take your frustration out on them – they really are the unsung stars of the show currently.  So please be patient and be kind.

4. Buy play scripts

Even if you don’t have a chance to watch a full production, you can still have play scripts delivered to you – which will allow you to support writers and companies across the UK.  We will be adding a list of Staffordshire writers and their plays/books here soon – watch this space.

5. Write to your MP

The Prime Minister’s actions, by not closing venues outright, have left many theatres in, at best, precarious positions. It’s key that this is remembered and that public opinion remains in the spotlight, even during trying times.

6. Buy merchandise

Mother’s Day is coming up, and you can always find stage-y gifts to purchase. Also a great way to give someone a pick-me-up during these trying times.  We will list some Staffordshire based ones here soon.

7. Donate to charities supporting the industry

There are a raft of charities that have already mobilised to help those, especially freelancers, who don’t have any money to support themselves as opportunities and productions shut down across the UK. A few of them are www.actingforothers.co.uk, www.royalvarietycharity.org, www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk

8. Watch shows and performances online

In this digital age, a show can still go on even if there’s no one in the room. Many local companies and venues are already cooking up ways to create content to keep performers in work and putting shows in front of theatre-lovers. . Stay tuned for more round-ups about what you can see online and where.  Here is a recent example from New Vic Theatre

9. Shout about things

Social media is there and is a vital way of linking up artists and opportunities in a time where they’re at a scarcity. There are great Facebook groups – such as UK Theatre industry coronavirus group – that provide hourly updates on situations and advice. It’s more important than ever to make sure people aren’t feeling mentally isolated and worried – reach out to your fellow makers and make sure they’re okay – there are a great wad of links here on Exeunt.

10. Subscribe, sign-up and keep an eye-out

At the moment, we don’t know when things are going to go back to normal. But if you follow your favourite venues on social media, sign-up for newsletters or bookmark pages, you can be there to cheer on the industry as it has a bit of a wobble. Staffordshire Theatre newsletter is available here, for example.

Looking ahead

It may all look uncertain at the moment, but it is only through resilience that the industry will keep itself going. It’s never too early to think about finding the light at the end of the tunnel – if you’re an audience member then start drawing up a wish list of shows you might want to book for (either in the autumn or Christmas)  – most Staffordshire Theatres have these on sale now – as you can be sure that theatres will be re-opening with a bang eventually.

For artists, freelancers or producers, now is a time to make sure you’re very much stable and able to take care of yourself, but opening up conversations with those in the same position about plans in the future is a good way to give something to aim towards. Solidarity and standing side-by-side going forward is essential.

Big thanks to What’s On Stage for this great information.