The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have launched a new microsite to provide support for members of the 290,000-strong theatre workforce affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The site, theatresupport.info, has been set up as a result of an urgent meeting between theatrical charities and will be used as a place to collate information and signpost useful resources.
The site has key information on welfare support for all in the theatre industry, including on the various 24-hour helplines that are available.
The charities involved include Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund, Dance Professionals Fund, Acting for Others and Help Musicians, among 11 others.
SOLT, a not-for-profit organisation representing the London theatre industry, and UK Theatre, a theatre and performing arts membership organisation, said they would continue to lobby government for additional financial support for theatre and its workforce.
They said in a joint statement: “In these challenging times, the theatre industry is committed to providing vital financial, mental health and wellbeing support for those facing career uncertainty, and ensuring funding is distributed as widely as possible, reaching those most in need.”
The move follows Monday’s UK government announcement urging people to avoid mass events such as concerts, theatres, pubs and clubs, but stopped short of an official ban. Theatres have closed across the country, leaving many workers fearing for their jobs.
Image: Andrew Dupont
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