PRODUCTIONS
Quick start
In our PRODUCTIONS we need to…
Raw materials
Stage
Waste
move from a linear… to a circular economy for theatre
Reuse and Recycle
Think where materials come from
Reused
Making floors, building components, scaffold, steeldeck, furniture, props, costumes…
Remodelled
Remodelled stairs, flats with new textures, reupholstered chairs, altered costumes…
Recycled
Salvaged metal sections, timber, plywood sheets, salvaged fabric…
‘Good’ new materials
Certified timber and plywood, ‘recycled’ metal, reconstituted plastics, organic fabrics…
‘Bad’ new materials
Uncertified timber products, new steel and aluminium, PVC, vinyl man-made fabrics…
Using less is the most sustainable choice
Think differently
To make a BASIC production
Sustainable Productions
Reuse and recycle
REUSE AND RECYCLING : Keep an inventory of materials: sets and scenery, props and furniture, costumes. 50% of each category should have been used previously. 65% should be used again after the show.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- Download an easy calculator here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At intermediate level, the percentages will increase.
Harmful materials
NEW MATERIALS : Source new materials sustainably if possible. Avoid PVC, tropical hardwoods and polystyrene where possible.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- Download an easy calculator here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At advanced level, these materials must be avoided
Technical Theatre
TECHNICAL : Use re-used or hired equipment where possible. Make a plan to reduce the impact of your practice across all technical departments (see Technical worksheet).
DONE?
Download a record sheet here.
- The Technical Worksheet is part of the full Production Calculator here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At intermediate level, you will start to implement the plan
Sustainable Transport
CO-PRODUCTION / TOURING : Use sustainable transport methods where possible. Choose accommodation within walking distance of venues.
DONE?
Download a record sheet here.
- The Travel Calculator is part of the full Production Calculator here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At intermediate level, you will need to record travel and choose green accomodation.
1. To reach the BASIC level, two-thirds of your productions must reach this standard
2. Only count co-productions or visiting productions if you are Lead Producer
These steps make it easier
Invitation
PRODUCING : Appoint the team early. Make sure Basic standard is understood.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At Intermediate level, you will need to offer Climate Literacy training to production teams.
Programme and Budget
PRODUCING : Set a longer programme if possible. Set the budget to spend more on people’s time and less on materials.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At Intermediate level, you will need to offer Climate Literacy training to production teams.
Concept
CONCEPT : Hold an early concept meeting to collaboratively sense-check ideas.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- The whole team can work together to achieve a sustainable outcome.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
- At Intermediate level, you will start to share resources between productions.
Development
CONCEPT : At DEVELOPMENT stage, collaborate with the whole team to achieve a sustainable outcome.
DONE? Download a record sheet here
- The first sketch model is an opportunity to assess sustainability and work on solutions together.
- Download an easy Calculator here. Use it to assess quickly whether the production will achieve Basic.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
Review
CONCEPT : At DEVELOPMENT stage, collaborate with the whole team to achieve a sustainable outcome.
DONE? Download a record sheet here
- Download an easy Calculator here. Use it to assess quickly whether the production will achieve Basic.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
For tours and co-productions
Co-Production
CO-PRODUCTION / TOURING : Agree how expertise and resources will be shared. Identify responsibilities for measuring, recording, and sustainable disposal. Reference Basic standard in Co-production agreements.
DONE? Download a record sheet here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At Basic level, only the Lead Producer should include the production in their standard. At Intermediate level, all co-production partners should include it.
Freight Limits
CO-PRODUCTION / TOURING : Establish a haulage limit (e.g. ‘one trailer’ or ‘one transit van’). Consider haulage limitations when designing (or when redesigning for a tour).
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
- At Basic level, only the Lead Producer should include the production in their standard. At Intermediate level, all co-production partners should include it.
Sharing Information
CO-PRODUCTION / TOURING : Ensure technical specifications are agreed with all receiving venues.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
- At Intermediate level, you should use local resources whenever possible.
Everyone has a part to play
Production
PRODUCERS :
- Include sustainability in the invitation.
- Appoint the team early.
- Set programme and budget to support sustainability.
- Support the team.
- Review lessons learned.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
Creatives
CREATIVE TEAMS :
- Think about sustainability even at concept stage.
- Collaborate with the rest of the team.
- Be flexible.
- Think about sustainability in the rehearsal period.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
Creatives
SETS AND SCENERY :
- Collaborate with designers from an early stage.
- Use reused / recycled materials wherever possible.
- Plan for the next life of each material.
- Set up workshops for sustainable working.
- Download the easy Calculator here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
Creatives
PROPS :
- Collaborate with designers from an early stage.
- Use reused / recycled materials wherever possible.
- Plan for the next life of each material / item.
- Set up workshops for sustainable working.
- Download the easy Calculator here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
Production
COSTUMES :
- Collaborate with designers from an early stage.
- Use second-hand clothes wherever possible.
- Plan for the next life of each material / item.
- Avoid fast fashion.
- Download the Easy Calculator here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
Creatives
LIGHTING, SOUND, AV :
- Use standard equipment from store or hirers.
- Maintain equipment for a long life.
- Make a plan for sustainable working.
- Study the Technical Worksheet in the full Production Calculator here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
Creatives
STAGE MANAGEMENT :
- Make sure all members of the team understand the production’s targets.
- Manage the rehearsal period sustainably.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.
Creatives
TOURING :
- Plan the tour sustainably.
- Set a freight limit for design.
- Use local resources.
- Share information with venues.
- Use sustainable methods for travel and freight.
- There’s a simple travel calculator here.
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here.