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With many freelancers contemplating leaving the industry, funders must seize this moment for change and support individual artists or risk losing them forever

by David Benedict

Unlike for the Debut Awards nominees, first roles aren’t always auspicious

As former winner Miriam-Teak Lee prepares to present The Stage Debut Awards 2020, David Benedict remembers the famous performers whose first appearances might have been a little less accomplished

The Green Room

What are you most proud of in your career?

Welcome to our weekly discussion forum for key issues facing those working in theatre and the performing arts. This week, we ask: What are you most proud of in your career?

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As Derby Theatre reopens its doors, community will be at the heart of our work

by Sarah Brigham

Improved working conditions would be something to celebrate, not Brexit

by Catherine Kodicek

Arts educators are embracing technology, but nothing beats in-person contact

by Howard Sherman

Theatre won’t be fixed by cutting costs around the people who make it

by Grace Smart

Producers are taking risks to secure the future of commercial theatre

by Richard Jordan

Performers shouldn't have to push through pain, theatre must break the injury cycle

by Tome Levi

Save live performances and spread joy – your views, September 23

by The Stage

Seat Out may not help out, the demand is there – your views, September 16

by The Stage

The Green Room

What are you most proud of in your career?

Welcome to our weekly discussion forum for key issues facing those working in theatre and the performing arts. This week, we ask: What are you most proud of in your career?

VIEW ALL

Your views

'Actor' or 'actress'? The debate continues (your views, December 14)

by The Stage

Actors' agents need to play a role in addressing harassment allegations (your views, November 7)

by The Stage

Actors are trained to play all roles (your views, February 22)

by The Stage

Maisey Bawden: ‘TV work was a shock to the system but I loved the buzz’

by John Byrne

Kate Mara: ‘Lifelong learning is essential to evolve throughout your career’

by John Byrne

Julia Farino: 'I decided to share my experiences to help other actors navigate the industry'

by John Byrne

Andrew Linnie: 'Going straight from drama school into a West End show was intimidating'

by John Byrne

David James: 'Government and critics need to respect musical theatre as a serious art form'

by John Byrne

Pamela Mayoss: 'I can't believe how nervous I was over such a small part'

by John Byrne

Save live performances and spread joy – your views, September 23

by The Stage

Seat Out may not help out, the demand is there – your views, September 16

by The Stage

Careers Clinic by John Byrne

Should I agree to unpaid work?

Dear West End Producer

‘We already have the Olivier Awards. Will we now also have the Oliver (Dowden) Awards?’

Quote UnQuote

Quotes of the week, September 23: Kwame Kwei-Armah, Jodie Whittaker, Brian Cox and more

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Big Interviews

The Stage talks in depth to movers and shakers from across the industry

Julian Bird

Chief executive, Society of London Theatre/UK Theatre

Julian Bird

Chief executive, Society of London Theatre/UK Theatre

Susie McKenna

Director, writer and producer

“Change doesn’t happen through talking, it happens by doing”

Sarah Frankcom

Sarah Frankcom is leading one of the most prestigious drama schools in the UK. She talks about undergoing a process of ‘unlearning’ for staff and students

“If the right West End project comes along, I’ll be there”

Danielle de Niese

Opera singer

“This has to be a moment of absolute change, of reset”

Michael Buffong

Director

“Tina came out of nowhere – I thought they’d give it to Beyoncé”

Adrienne Warren

Actor

“Our place in the world is at risk. It’s as grave as that”

Julian Bird

Chief executive, Society of London Theatre/UK Theatre

Julian Bird

Chief executive, Society of London Theatre/UK Theatre

Julian Bird

Chief executive, Society of London Theatre/UK Theatre

How have other island nations’ arts sectors coped with Covid-19?

by Nick Awde

Away with the fairies: 50 years on from Peter Brook’s iconic Dream

by Nick Smurthwaite

Rise of digital: how streaming filled the live performance gap

by Tom Wicker

While widespread live performance without social distancing remains unlikely until 2021, streaming platforms have found their moment in the spotlight, offering audiences access to a library of theatre. Key figures in the digital theatre movement tell Tom Wicker about what the future holds for streaming services

National pride: how are the UK’s flagship companies coping?

by Lyn Gardner

What now for the Edinburgh Fringe? The questions that hover over the festival in its fallow year

by Lyn Gardner

How have other island nations’ arts sectors coped with Covid-19?

by Nick Awde

Away with the fairies: 50 years on from Peter Brook’s iconic Dream

by Nick Smurthwaite

National pride: how are the UK’s flagship companies coping?

by Lyn Gardner

What now for the Edinburgh Fringe? The questions that hover over the festival in its fallow year

by Lyn Gardner

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Features

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The Empty Space: What should have opened this week: Notes from a Small Island

by Lyn Gardner

Lyn Gardner talks to Paul Hart, director of Notes from a Small Island, which was due to open at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre. She also looks at a significant show that opened this week in a previous year: Shopping and Fucking at London’s Royal Court in 1996