Future in Theatre

A discussion around the future of theatre in Shetland

Raw data from online survey conducted from 11/2/2015 – 25/2/2015 The following pages contain the data collected during the recent SADA led online survey. We are circulating the raw data as we feel it may prove useful to other theatre practitioners, organisations and funders in Shetland and beyond.

We would like to thank everyone who took part.

Shetland Arts Development Agency will be developing its response to all elements of the consultation over the coming weeks.

Age

173 ANSWERED

UNDER 18

13.9%

30 - 44

27.7% 18 - 29

OVER 60

21.4%

15% 45 - 60

22%

Ethnicity

172 ANSWERED

White Other British

White Scottish

15.7%

73.3%

Any Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups

1.7% Any other White ethnic group

2.3%

2

Unwilling to disclose White Polish

0.6%

White Gypsy/Traveller

0.6%

White Irish

0.6%

5.2%

Priorities Top 5 priorities (unrated) 0

20

127 ANSWERED

40

60

80

A vibrant programme of participatory youth theatre (ages 12-21) Well run, well maintained theatre space Subsidised use of the theatre space for Shetland based drama groups Professionally led community productions A vibrant programme of participatory children's theatre (ages 7-12) High quality touring product A vibrant programme of participatory adult theatre Training in specialist theatre skills Co-commissions with national & international touring companies More live theatre cinema events

21 16 15

Professional companies in residence for extended periods Access to specialist theatre skills Site specific theatre productions

0

20

32 32 29

40

46 44

54

60

64 62

100

81 80

80

100

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Comments All comments reported as recieved.

52 ANSWERED

“Continued support for the Shetland Youth Theatre. Very important.”

“I would be keen to see more inclusive / participatory / experimental theatre projects, maybe with more emphasis on multidisciplinary work. I believe that connecting with local people, engaging local artists and giving people genuine opportunities to experiment and collaborate is the most effective way to develop theatre that is meaningful for local people and grounded in a relevant and current cultural landscape. Theatre (in the widest sense - not just a building like the Garrison!) can provide a wonderful chance for people to explore strong emotions, build relationships and develop creativity - I would love to see these opportunities open up for more socially excluded groups.”

“This was a pretty lean survey. Are you not interested in how many times I go to the theatre here and on the mainland? How much would I be willing to pay etc?”

“Maintain the Garrison Theatre.Important part of Lerwick heritage. Don't allow it to"wither on the vine"” “Shetland youth theatre is an amazing opportunity for young people, I have met lots of good friends there. The new boss is really stupid for thinking it is not necessary and he should not have the authority to shut down so many kids dreams because he doesnt know anything about how we feel about youth theatre and he doesn't understand how much it means to all the young people involved. I think he should get a grip and start thinking about how his actions affect the youth of shetland cause he obviously doesnt care about us and he is only in it for himself.”

“Theatre has been one of the most important things in my life. If it wasn't for all the wonderful work that Shetland Arts does and all the fantastic community theatre opportunities I got to have then I wouldn't be at college now, doing the thing that makes me happiest.”

“Very impressed by drama work here in Shetland. SCDF is fun for all participants and younger people particularly enjoy being in a 'real' theatre. Some very fine amateur productions eg Islesburgh DG and professionally led youth theatre important to all participants. Would like to see more professionally led community drama and touring productions.”

“My only experience of Shetland theatre is through seeing the youth theatre perform in Edinburgh as part of the national theatre connections scheme. I was surprised that a group from a place so far away was better than all the other groups we saw. This group needs to carry on doing great work and showing other companies from more popular areas that talent exists everywhere. With the right direction, young people will find a way to express their talents wherever they live. Keep going youth theatre people in shetland and make us wish we were there”

“Shetland Arts is bigger than Mareel. If the organization is serious about developing the arts rather than just programming a 'flagship' venue then the Garrison is a major asset that should be nurtured and developed. The same is true of the inspirational Shetland Youth Theatre. The success of this company should spur Shetland Arts into an increased level of support for this company and rolling out the same model for younger children and adults” “Since I have been in Shetland I have been amazed by the high quality, cutting edge productions of Shetland Youth Theatre. This is a company of national importance that suffers from being isolated from mainstream media. If the vision that The officer brings to that group could be expanded to other age groups, then Shetland Arts could have a theatre policy that would be the envy of every region in Sotland.

If SADA is conducting this survey with genuine belief in engagement, rather than a cynical exercise in self justification, it would admit that opening Mareel has been a distraction from the core work of the organisation. Invest in the Garrison, invest in participatory theatre. Lead the way across the whole theatre spectrum in the same way that you are doing with youth theatre.”

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Comments All comments reported as recieved.

52 ANSWERED

“The Garrison Theatre is essential in order to provide the local community with live productions of musical theatre, plays and pantomime, which is usually a child's first experience of live theatre.”

“I strongly believe in restoring and maintaining original buildings wherever possible.” “want to see garrison theatre refurbished and available for all groups to use. it is a lovely building in need of some tlc” “Groups tend to operate in isolation. For my own part, there are several great plays I want to produce but can't cast for want of young (especially male) actors."”

“The Shetland Youth Theatre contains somenof the strongest most dedicated youths. They bring great love to performance and are all super enthusiastic. They need more support as they have such huge potential, they are some of the most talented people I know.”

“Lovely theatre community is proud of ? We need to see its use developed.”

“The Garrison theatre is the only venue on Shetland custom built for proper theatre activities.”

“Good luck!”

“SYT was one of the most vibrant, liberating and joyful experiences I ever had growing up in the isles. I emplore you to maintain this to ensure that the talent, creativity and confidence of our young people isn't lost.”

“I think that Shetland youth theatre is a great thing for people in Shetland.

It gives them great experience and more opportunities!”

“Ensuring the development of amateur and inclusive theatre is more important than running professional theatre productions. Though these aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.”

“Would like to join but don't know how to its no clear how you can join” “If I could have answered all the multiple choice answers, I would.

They're all incredibly important to maintaing a vibrant theatre.”

“Both the Youth Theatre groups from the ages of 7-21 are fantastic, giving kids the chance to get involved in Theatre at a young age is nothing but a positive for Shetland arts on the whole.”

“Th benefits of theatre in a community are endless. In terms of education, allowing young people access to such an opportunity can reap rewards. Not only is it an excellent way to enhance confidence (something which the curriculum for excellence so avidly advocates), it also enables one to acquire a broader mindset.

Theatre allows one to alter their perceptions on things, and enables one to think out of the box - an asset valuable for all ages and situations. Moreover, when productions are put on, it is not just the actors on stage who are involved. The sheer amount of work which goes in behind the scenes is not always realised, however from the costume department to the tech crew, theatre is a great medium in terms of bringing people together and working as part of a team. In a place such as Shetland this is a great asset, but also arguably essential in keeping our community together and keeping us strong. On a more personal level, having been an avid member of various theatre projects in Shetland from A young age, I cannot begin to thank the whole experience of it all in shaping who I am today. As a teacher, the dynamic energy required to engage pupils and the ability to think on my feet if something crops up (it always does) are essential in helping my pupils learn effectively. I honestly don't think I'd have acquires such a nack for this if it hasn't been from the confidence and mindset which an childhood of 5 theatre gave me.”

Comments All comments reported as recieved.

52 ANSWERED

“I think youth theatre is very important for young people in shetland I am a member of this group and I can say from joining last year my confident levels have risen i have met so many new people that are going to be my bestfriends for life basically I am a just a completely different person because of it I have learned and experienced loads of new things that I will never forget and it's not just me that thinks this I can promise you every other single person in the group or that has been through out all the years will tell you the exact same things as I did. There's not many opportunitys for young people in shetland to do drama but youth theatre has changed that you don't know just how much this group means to us kids who go to it.”

“I think that youth theatre is plays an incredibly important role in the lives of many young people.”

“I have benefitted greatly through my childhood and teenage years from the theatre programs Shetland Arts has offered and know of many others my age an older who feel the same. It is important that this continues for younger shetlanders. I look forward to seeing what Shetland Arts will offer to develop theatre on the island.”

“The Garrison is a Community theatre for amatuer drama in Shetland, there is nowhere else to perform plays with box sets etc. Please don't price it out of their reach and end am/dram in Shetland. It is not the Gasrrisons fault that SAT put all their money into Mareel and left nothing for the Garrison” “Here at The Touring Network we would welcome the opportunity to support and help with your ambitions with regards to touring companies coming to the Islands” “I would like to see all aspects of theatre explored and encouraged. Shetland has a great history of drama and the Garrison theatre is a wonderful place to host it.”

“SYT should be an independent group. Focus on facilitating/supporting rather than directing. Improve communication. Explore partnership opportunities - local + national. If you are truly listening to what we have to say then prove you have listened. We have been consulted on the future of drama before... It doesn't have to be all done by SADA. Finally, if the community really wants the Garrison then let them get on with it.”

“Technicians and staff are trained to the highest standard to help user groups and make the job of them putting on a show as easy as possible. Encouragement to users to keep the Garrison doors open as many nights a month as possible.”

“Theatre is a broad term, it does not cover drama exclusively but all facets of the expressive arts. In Shetland we have a Ballet School which a lot of children and adults attend and a street dance group, a vibrant Jazz movement, a community orchestra, an Improvisers orchestra and several jazz groups plus many local drama groups comprising of adults and teens who participate every year in the drama festival. The theatre in question should for the use of them all. The danger of getting professional groups up to spend a couple of weeks/month is not going to cater for these different facets of theatre but would be too selective, as it sometimes is now!”

“Don't see why the garrison can't be utilised as a thurs cinema screen at busy times.

Be good to have more visiting productions.”

“Just more live productions please” “I think a lot of non-theatre people won't understand what the terms on the previous question mean, what the difference is between different types of events and how they are developed.”

“Amateur drama in Shetland is very healthy. The Garrison is the most important venue for drama in Shetland. Given that Mareel is unsuitable for drama, it is vital that the Garrison be maintained to a high standard and that it be available for the productions of local groups.”

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Comments All comments reported as recieved.

52 ANSWERED

“Please gut the Garrison and make it a comfortable place in which to enjoy theatre. It's the elephant in the room nobody dares say lest we lose the theatre altogether: but the truth is that for anyone approaching 6 foot tall - and that's rather a lot of folk nowadays - it's an excruciatingly painful experience to sit in there. I've tried twice in 12 years living here; never again without refurbishment.”

“It is a pity the Garrison has been forgotten since Mareel opened. Shetland Arts need to find a way to make it relevant to today's Shetland.”

“No” “Theatre has long been popular in Shetland but needs to be better supported and encouraged, not only performers, but writers and also with improvement in theatre skills for adults as well as children and young people. Touring shows should be accessible as well as local drama.”

“I'd far rather that the mareel auditorium was used for theatre productions, as it has comfortable seating and a decent rake. Much as I have great memories of events in the Garrison, Mareel is a much better venue, speaking as a customer.”

“I want to see more theatrical productions in Shetland and for the Garrison to be used more often.”

“I feel very strongly, that experience in theatre, whether on or off stage, gives young people confidence in themselves, when they take their first steps into the wider world, not necessarily on the stage.”

“Bring the Garrison theatre back to a reasonable condition & make it accessible to the community again. Classes in lighting & sound for interested people & drama students. Youth theatre that doesn't clash with exam timetables. Theatre aimed at children. Panto should not be childrens only experience of theatre in the theatre.”

“Would love to see more childrens theatre for babies, toddlers & primary school kids.

Have a look at the McRobert Centre Stirling for inspiration” “I wish I could have selected more!!!”

“I'm not really that interested in Theatre, but I do feel that a focus on developing Youth Theatre is essential, and I'm sure a bit more comic theatre wouldn't go amiss” “Please consider those of us who live outwith Lerwick. Especially those of us who have ferries to catch.

Saturday afternoon matinees might be an option?”

“It would be great to see more theatre productions taking place, whether they are local productions or touring groups.”

“I would love to see more touring productions of children's theatre at the Garrison”

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Shetland Arts Development Agency, Mareel, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0WQ ď‚• 01595 743 843 www.shetlandarts.org Scottish Charity No: SCO37082