Study to be a play

A NEW study by Loughborough University has explored the issue of gender inequality in professional British theatre - and findings are set to be turned into a play.

Loughborough’s Dr Daniel Sage and Dr Catherine Rees investigated the phenomenon which sees female actors, crew and directors dominate the country’s amateur dramatics scene with only a small number making the transition to the professional ranks. They carried out interviews with 30 people – all at different stages in their careers - and published findings in ‘To do or not to do (gender)’.

The study revealed most aspects and jobs within the industry reflected the male gender bias and 90 per cent of all Olivier award winners were male.

The pair are to develop the study by interviewing new people and have been awarded £3,500 to arrange a practitioner workshop to present their findings.

They have also commissioned Loughborough University-based playwright, Carolyn Scott-Jeffs, to write a short play based on the research.