Kevin Jamieson
Programmer at HOME theatre. Kevin discussed with us what HOME can offer including in-kind support and what kind of shows HOME engage with. Giving us helpful tips and tricks when contacting venues.
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Photo Credits to Michael Pinchbeck
Notes From Lecture...
Who Decides?
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Matrix of People on who decides what goes ahead at home.
Core demographic to build on audience development. Usually, programme 12-18 months in advanced. Big matrix of people involved. Open Call system – involve artists within this.
What is the process?
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Visiting production POV. All enquiries come from email. General theatre email address or direct. Information about demographic finances, what the performance is about, touring dates etc. How much who is it by contact links etc. Programme producer
20-30 emails a day from touring artists. Shortlisted through the initial team. Shorten a list to 10-15 which goes to the main pipeline group.
Boil that down to 3-5 which is then picked up with the artists in which negotiations begin.
Commitment at home, anything which is personally addressed will be replied to. Visiting approach from artist or company will come once or twice. Co-producing consideration. Offer gateways to other places where they will be a pointer.
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How to approach
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When approaching venues (Kevin’s takes and thoughts) venues are more porous. Open into finding out who does the programming – make the time to find out. What artists are they looking for? 95% of venues will reply and arrange something. Do not be afraid to reach out to any venue or company. Open to hear more about the venue. Where is it you want to take your work? Who is your preferred venue? List of 10-20 venues. Approach them for that chat. Get to know the venues, the programme and make that approach personal to how you fit with that venues work. Why is it you want to come to HOME and make that clear.
How it fits the programme and what formulaic structure is it? What is at the heart of your performance does it fit with the demographic and style of the venue. Who are you? Why are you doing this? Who are you doing it for?
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Venues North. Routes in.
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For Me...
As our first guest lecturer, Kevin introduced us to the programming responsibilities of HOME theatre company in Manchester. They discussed with us the importance of how to approach theatres in terms of asking to use their venue. Kevin gave us a strong insight into the structure that programmers have to follow in order to facilitate the process of having a company use their venue, and also the importance of understanding if a venue follows the same vision as your performance.
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It is also really important that you understand who you are doing this for? and why you're doing this?