What does the future touring landscape look like?
A practical session connecting Producers and Production Managers to offer expert advice on how to adapt to the new challenges of touring in 2021: COVID-19 and Brexit. Topics will include COVID-19 risk mitigation for companies, how venues are adapting to receive work, visa application processes and how to apply for a carnet to tour to EU with equipment/set.
With Guest Speakers:
Andrew Crofts: Production Manager (freelance)
Andrew is freelance Production Manager and Lighting/Video Designer. He’s toured work to over 25 countries to spaces ranging from the main stages of national theatres, to small studios, to found spaces and site specific projects. Most of his work is with imitating the dog, including extensive international touring of their small and mid scale work. Andrew also works with a broad range of companies and artists including Jasmin Vardimon Company, Blast Theory, Keisha Thompson and Invisible Flock.
Rachel Down: Artist Liaison Manager, Manchester International Festival
Rachel Down is the Artist Liaison Manager at Manchester International Festival managing the logistics of the festival programme and international touring. Rachel has over 10 years’ experience in the cultural sector working in full-time and freelance capacities on projects covering all art forms, scale and types.
Ruth Butler: Head of Technical and Production, Roundhouse
Ruth Butler is currently Head of Technical and Production at the Roundhouse, and has worked on many circus productions during her time there. Prior to this she was a Production Manager for circus and festivals, theatre and music, working with companies such as Block9 for many years. Her main focus at the moment is COVID compliance at the Roundhouse, and the remobilisation of the organisation prior to welcoming back audiences to the Roundhouse.
Resources
Here is a list of the resources the speakers shared with us during the call, alongside additional resources Split Second has put together.
Touring Post Brexit
Download here Rachel Down’s presentation on visa that include a detailed explanation of visa types, application process and practical tips.
Download here Andrew Crofts presentation on ATA carnets that include a detailed explanation of what ATA carnets are and how to apply.
Andrew also put together a list of additional resources to look at:
The London Chamber of Commerce which has a lot of useful information on it.
This document by Chamber International has useful information and examples of how to (and not to) complete the general list.
Split Second and Xtrax also put together a practical guide to Brexit that covers answers the most commonly asked questions UK companies will have when touring the EU post Brexit. Read the guide here.
Touring in times of Covid
Download here Ruth Butler’s presentation on how venues are putting new measures in place to create a safe space for artists, crew and audiences in times of Covid.
Ruth also put together a list of sources / useful links:
The current UK government guidance for performing arts under covid. Link.
UK Government assets to their latest announcements for easing lockdown. Start reading from page 36. Link.
ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) Covid resources. Link.
ABTT guidance notes, and example risk assessments for work under Covid. Link.
BMJ (British Medical Journal) article on interpreting covid test results. Link.
BMJ article on rapid testing technologies. Link.
You can also look at Circus Change Up’s Covid 19 Protocol for the circus sector that Split Second has helped put together. Link.
Focal Point Labs are focused professional development bursts to develop new skills to adapt to current challenges. Delivered by industry professionals, these free Labs connect producers and creatives alike to build relevant skills for future projects. Focal Point is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Picture: Tiah Parsan