Welcome to the August edition of Ensemble. I hope you’re all staying safe and keeping well.

In the latest industry Covid-related news, the government announced that activities that had been due to restart on 1 August would now have to be delayed due to the recent rise in cases in the UK – this included stage 4 under the reopening of performing arts so indoor performances are still not permitted at the current time. This change is continuing for at least a fortnight, with indoor performances with social distanced audiences being allowed from 15 August at the earliest (although that date could move later). Outdoor performances with social distanced audiences (stage 3 of the roadmap) are allowed to continue – subject to any local restrictions.

Indoor performances without social distancing measures in place won’t be reviewed until November at the earliest. However, we remain optimistic that at short notice, we could produce some work in time for Christmas, if indeed we are allowed to.

The team from Trafalgar Theatre Productions are also busy at the moment and excited to be working on a socially distanced workshop for a potential future production of Man of La Mancha. Acclaimed Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher who directed our production of The King and I, has flown in especially for the workshop and has spent 14 days in quarantine ahead of the project start date on 17 August. We’ll have a full report on the workshop in next month’s Ensemble.

The Society of London Theatre also held its first Inclusion and Anti-Racism Working Group meeting at the end of last month. Points on the agenda included discussion about the new #CultureNeedsDiversity campaign, diversifying the SOLT and UK Theatre Boards and workforce, reporting on SOLT/UKT Board/workforce demographics and a plan of action for the coming months.

Finally, in TE related news, last month we revealed how members of the HR team had been working towards new qualifications with Carol Newton gaining a Level 5 CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) Diploma qualification. Well, I’m delighted to announce that Caroline Sutcliffe has now passed her HR CIPD Level 5 Certificate. Congratulations, Caroline! The qualification focuses on building on existing HR knowledge and the challenges and skills you face within the HR industry. It is aimed at those with some HR experience looking to develop to management level. I know that Emma Bennetts is delighted to have two HR professionals on her team!

If you’re taking time out for a staycation during the school summer holidays, I hope you’re able to relax, unwind and enjoy some of the beautiful coastlines and resorts that we are so lucky to have on our doorsteps.

Until next month, keep talking, stay connected and take care of yourselves.
Sending you all my very best wishes
Rosemary