National Repertory Network

What It Is

The Big Idea is the founding of a truly distributed National Repertory Network (the Network), comprising 12 strategically located producing companies situated in venues across the UK. 

 

Each of these 12 hub venues will host the development and production of three high-quality, tour-ready theatrical productions annually. 

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These 36 new works per year will then be made available for touring within the Network, ensuring a constant flow of diverse and compelling theatre across the country. 

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This model fundamentally shifts the paradigm from a centralised touring hub to a collaborative network of producers, fostering artistic innovation at a regional level while guaranteeing national exposure for the best of British theatre. 

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It leverages existing infrastructure and talent, empowering regional theatremakers to be powerhouses of creation with national impact, democratising access to diverse theatrical experiences, and fostering a more resilient and interconnected theatre ecosystem.

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How We Get There: Pilot Year - Prototyping with a Core Hub and Satellite Venues

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To test the viability and refine the operational model of the Network, we propose a focused pilot year. This pilot will involve one primary producing hub situated in one regional venue, which will develop, produce and tour two shows. These two pilot productions will then tour to six additional 'host' hubs – receiving venues strategically chosen for their location, capacity and commitment to supporting new work. This limited-scale pilot will allow us to:

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• Refine the production-to-touring pipeline: Understanding the specific challenges and best practices for preparing shows for networked touring.

• Test logistical frameworks: Assessing the efficiency of transportation, technical handovers, and accommodation for touring companies.

• Gather audience feedback: Understanding audience engagement and preferences in diverse geographical locations.

• Refine financial models: Prototyping cost-sharing mechanisms between producing and receiving venues.

• Identify key partnerships: Solidifying relationships with transport providers, accommodation services, and marketing channels.
   

The learning and data gathered from this intensive pilot year will be invaluable in scaling the Network to its full potential, ensuring a robust and sustainable model for future national rollout.

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Where We Start: Iteration and Collaboration - The Network R&D Conference

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To ensure the Network is truly collaborative, responsive, and effectively serves the needs of the wider theatre sector, we propose a three-day Network R&D Conference. This innovative event will bring together key stakeholders from across the UK theatre landscape, including artistic directors, producers, venue managers, independent artists, and representatives from funding bodies. 

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The agenda will allow for dynamic and deeply engaged discussions on topics most relevant to the Network's development. This will include:

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• Honing the Network model: Collective brainstorming and problem-solving to refine the operational and artistic principles of the network.

• Exploring artistic programming and curation: Discussing criteria for show selection, diversity, and developing artistic excellence across the network.

• Developing sustainable models: Collaboratively devising long-term funding strategies and cost-sharing agreements, and exploring governance structures.

• Addressing logistical challenges: Sharing best practices and finding innovative solutions for touring, technical requirements, and artist support.

• Building cross-sector partnerships: Fostering new collaborations and strengthening existing relationships between venues and artists.
   

The outcomes of this conference will directly inform the iterative development of the Network, ensuring it is built on a foundation of shared understanding, collective buy-in, and a clear path towards a thriving, nationally connected theatrical future. This collaborative approach will be fundamental to the Network's success and its lasting impact on the UK's cultural landscape.

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Current Partners committed to attending the Network R&D include:

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• Exeter Northcott Theatre

• Trafalgar Entertainment - running 21 commercial theatres UK-wide

• Arts Council England's Theatre Division

• Norwich Theatre

• York Theatre Royal

• Macrobert Arts Centre in Scotland

• Jenna Omeltschenko - participation specialist who spearheaded the NT’s Theatre Nation Partnerships Network

• Bob Willard Watts - feasibility consultant

• Officers from Regional Combined Authorities

• Others who have asked not to be named for strategic reasons