The Stage

Theatre Royal Stratford East hands programming control to the public

Published Monday 16 November 2009 at 15:26 by Matthew Hemley

Theatre Royal Stratford East has confirmed the launch of Open Stage, an initiative that will see the public decide what will appear at the venue during the run up to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

As revealed by The Stage earlier this year, Open Stage will see the residents of east London given control of the theatre’s programme for the main stage, studio space, bar and any off-site productions.

The move, which is thought to be the first time a major producing theatre has given the general public an open say about what is put on its stage for an entire season, is seen by officials at TRSE as an extension of the company’s long tradition - famously expounded by director Joan Littlewood - of being a “theatre of the people”.

Artistic director Kerry Michael said: “We are trying not to have too many preconceived ideas about exactly what shape the programme will take. We are expecting the unexpected and that is one of the reasons why this is such an exciting project.”

He added: “Through Open Stage we will be able to explore the bigger picture within our own theatre and of the arts sector as a whole and, with a range of partners, look at themes of citizenship and engagement that may influence policy makers and politicians”.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation has awarded Theatre Royal with a substantial grant to support the Open Stage project.

The grant will fund the appointment of a dedicated manager who will oversee the process and work with the public to harness and develop their ideas in the run up to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.