Theatre training survey

A major survey of training needs in London theatre and production companies has been agreed between the union and management representatives.

Following talks at ACAS, a SOLT-BECTU working party agreed to union proposals for the survey covering skill levels and training needs among box office, front of house and backstage staff. The project aims to provide accurate information to underpin the development of effective joint proposals in these areas.

The survey will be based on postal questionnaires to employees and freelancers at every West End theatre and all production companies working in them. It will not cover the National Houses which operate under separate agreements, nor will it cover stage management.

The survey will also include interviews with theatre managers and others about their views on employment prospects, recruitment and training issues.

BECTU Deputy General Secretary Roy Lockett commented: "This is a real breakthrough. Training is a key issue in enhancing the careers and earnings of our theatre members. Accurate information from them on their employment, skills and training needs will provide the hard evidence to develop effective policies I hope every member who gets a questionnaire completes it and sends it in."

The survey has major financial backing from the Department of Eduction and Employment, the Central London and Training Enterprise Council, FOCUS, the National Training Organisation, Metier, and key theatre groups Really Useful, Stoll Moss, Associated Capital Theatres and Cameron Macintosh.