Perhaps it’s a byproduct of my youth – but I have lots of big questions about the future of theatre, and what I can do to help it. The more time I spend working in this world, the more I can’t shake the feeling that the model of how we do things – financially, interpersonally, branding wise – is broken.
I want to find a way to make theatre a financially sound investment (crazy, I know), and I believe the best way of doing that is by making it accessible to everyone – removing the barriers to access by they tangible, or intangible.
I’m particularly excited about streaming, hybrid delivery models and social media. I spent much of the pandemic working on a virtual production company I c0-founded: Russo Richardson Productions. The possibilities that exist for widening audiences, increasing accessibility, and collaborating and sharing work so broadly are thrilling for me, and I’m fascinated by how we can take those learnings into a post-lockdown world.
I also think a lot about how we can make our work sustainable for ourselves. How do we make the work we’re so passionate about, but give ourselves space to take care of ourselves and each other? I have far too often experienced the burnout of not knowing how to prioritize wellbeing in work – and I’m excited about the ways our culture is shifting to allow more space for balance.
These are just a few of the writings I did throughout my degree, some on my own and some with others that explore some of those questions. I don’t think I have any of the answers yet – but I’m excited to keep discovering. If you want to think about some big questions too – reach out! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Colette Richardson 