What We Did

“We did some number crunching, and it became clear that for us as an organisation there was some disparity between some roles. We tried to look at the areas where we had the least representation. We wanted to start asking questions about why that was, what it means, and how we might address imbalances.”
NIC WASS, ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE

Investigation

Internal research and the Gate/Tonic group’s statistics showed women are underrepresented in design roles in creative teams. We want the Tricycle’s creative teams to have as broad a cultural make-up as is evidenced by our actors, writers and directors. In Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural Tricycle seasons, 89% of directors were female (please note, our Artistic Director is female), writers 45%, actors 43%, whereas the design roles were 9% for set and lighting and 35% for sound. In 2014/15 to date, these statistics have altered: female directors make up 70%, writers 64%, actors 55%, with set and lighting designers at 10% and sound designers at 70%. We have a female Artistic Director and a male Resident Director, which is taken into account.

Our focus is now upon female representation amongst set and lighting designers. Tonic have helped facilitate conversations with the Gate Theatre, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Clean Break and the Association of Lighting Designers, to name a few. Lighting Design will be our first area due to this connection.

What We’re Doing in Response to What We Learned

• We would like to work with other theatres/companies to improve training, mentoring and access from underrepresented groups, and share resources.
• Annual day of introductory meetings between designers and our artistic team.
• Continue to monitor gender representation across our creative teams/programming.
• Host workshops, including Lighting Design workshop during our 2015 Tricycle Takeover which will include prominent female role models.
• Continue to be alert to – and introduce – talent from underrepresented groups.

Is This Work a Step Towards a Bigger Goal?

Yes, we want to encourage a greater diversity amongst creative teams within the Tricycle, highlight role models and contribute to broader change within the industry.