Guidance Paper: Adapting to Eco-Friendly Manufacturing within the British Theatre Industry

Guidance Paper: Adapting to Eco-Friendly Manufacturing within the British Theatre Industry

In a policy briefing by Nik Gunn, Policy Adviser, potential areas for policy action in Skills, Jobs, and Education within the creative industries are highlighted, with a focus on sustainable theatre production.

The research, based on Professor Roberta Mock's study of three theatre companies of varying scales, reveals that the UK theatre sector currently practices sustainability mainly through environmental policies that reduce carbon footprints, circular design, reuse of materials, and energy-efficient production techniques.

Key initiatives include the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) embedding of sustainability into its operations, targeting a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from energy use by 2030 and 80% by 2045 relative to 2018/19 levels. The wider creative industries and theatre sector work towards circular economy principles, aided by tools like the Theatre Green Book and BAFTA’s albert for carbon tracking.

However, improvements can be made. Stronger engagement with government environmental policy is needed to ensure the sector's sustainability challenges are recognized and supported. Upskilling the workforce on sustainable production methods, including digital tools like albert’s workshops, would increase impact. Developing shared facilities or networks for recycling and reusing materials across theatres would help reduce waste and costs. Moving beyond general commitments to specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), especially capturing Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions from supply chains), would help track progress accurately.

Reports highlight low pay and poor wellbeing among freelance theatre workers, which sustainability efforts should consider by promoting fair labor practices alongside environmental goals.

The Theatre Green Book, developed by industry experts, provides practical guidance on sustainable production. Key recommendations include financial incentives for theatres implementing sustainable practices, investing in shared storage facilities, developing better carbon measurement tools, supporting professional development, fostering audience engagement, encouraging Green Book commitments, and upgrading small venues' infrastructure to reduce touring impacts.

The policy brief also focuses on Creative Industries Innovation in Seaside Resorts and Country Towns, emphasizing the need for cross-sector collaboration on issues like supply chains and materials innovation. Another policy brief, Audiences and Workforce in Arts, Culture, and Heritage, uses census data for a comprehensive analysis.

Lastly, a policy brief outlines three ways to support growth in the creative industries, with sustainable practices increasing workloads potentially disadvantaging freelancers. The brief on Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector outlines recommendations for sustainable theatre practices.

As the Green Book increases awareness and accountability around sustainability in theatre productions, it is crucial for the UK's creative industries to address the challenges and opportunities in sustainable theatre production. The government net zero goals require action across all sectors, and the theatre industry, with its small carbon footprint, has a unique opportunity to lead by example.

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