Programming

Main House

We normally programme two to three seasons in advance.

For example during the Summer we are programming for the Spring season the following year and so on.

Brochure and website on sale deadlines are available upon request.

Studio

We programme our Studio one season at a time, with a guide timeline of:

• Spring (Jan-Apr), programming decisions by end of July
• Summer (May-July), programming decisions by end of October
• Autumn (Sept-Nov), programming decisions by end of March

Proposals should include as much information as possible to help us in our decision making.

Please consider if possible:

• Show copy
• Images and Video
• Preferred tour dates
• Your creative team
• Press or industry accolades
• Technical information
• Scale of show
• Any other information we should know about

We prefer to see the work before programming, or at least know the company’s previous work.

If the work is in a development phase, do invite us and we’ll do our best to attend If you have footage to share with us please send us a link.

Main Auditorium

Capacity: 530

Our Main Auditorium is usually programmed for split or full weeks.

Studio

Capacity: 80 or 110 (dependant on stage depth required)

Please note we generally only programme the Studio Friday – Sunday, as during the week we use the space for learning activity.

We often programme our family friendly work on Saturdays and Sundays in either the Main Auditorium or Studio.

Technical specifications available on request.

1. Send your proposal to programming@derbytheatre.co.uk

2. The Artistic Director (Sarah Brigham) and Senior Producer (Stuart Allen) will consider if the work is appropriate to our programme policy.

Programming Groups

3. Our Programming Groups then consider the work on offer and the overall programme. We operate three different groups/sessions:

• Internal programming group, made up of a cross section of staff from across the organisation.
• ‘Student Pick’ which is an open call out to The University of Derby students.
• ‘Community Pick’ which is an open call out to members of the Derby/Derbyshire and wider community.

Programming groups sessions operate by participants being given a selection of shows on the table for a particular season, they offer feedback on all shows, then as a collective choose the one show they like most.

Events will be marketed as ‘Student Pick’ or ‘Community Pick’ dependant on the group who chose it.

Final Decision

4. If the work does fit, we think we have an audience for the work, and it excites us,we will discuss potential dates and financial deal with you. At this stage the booking is a “Pencil” i.e. it’s likely to happen but is not confirmed.

5. We finalise our programme.

6. We will inform you of our decision and confirm the date and deal if successful.

Contract

7. A booking pro forma or deal sheet will be sent out to you to confirm venue, dates, times and pricing.

Once this has been returned, a contract will be issued which we ask you to sign and return within 7 working days.

Marketing Information

8. We ask that if possible you send marketing copy, images and packs to our marketing department on confirmation of booking and further promotional material at least 12 weeks in advance of your performance date.

If you are small company or independent artist, a meeting can be arranged with the marketing team to discuss support and potential promotional activity and opportunities.

Technical Information

9. We request technical riders and plans to be sent to technical@derbytheatre.co.uk ideally 8 weeks in advance of your production, but a minimum of 2 weeks in order to ensure we can accommodate your staffing and equipment needs.

Programming and commission opportunities are also available throughout the year, including through our artist development scheme In Good Company:

• The chance to perform at festivals such as Check In and Departure Lounge
• The opportunity to receive funding and support through Package Holiday, Artist Support Fund and Mid-Career Commission and other schemes.

How To Find Out More

• Follow @DerbyTheatre & @IngoodcoEM on social media
• Subscribe to the Artist Network newsletter
• Check the Artists and Call Out & Commissions pages on the Derby Theatre website.
• Visit the In Good Company website
• Visit the Big House website