The Lab Collective

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What was it?

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Over three days The Lab Collective hosted Reloaded, a free online symposium to engage in a collaborative dialogue that explores the challenges our industry faces in the wake of Covid - 19 and beyond. The generous funding from Arts Council England enabled us to offer bursaries to participants who would otherwise be unable to join the conversation.

 

Each day covered forum based topics that reflected a difficult aspect about emerging back into physical spaces, connecting with audiences and addressing the lack of diversity in our sector. 

 

Who was it for?

Reloaded is designed to engage with professionals working within immersive, interactive and participatory performance:
 

• Producers 

• Professional creative practitioners (including directors, facilitators and performers),

• Behind the scenes workers (including designers, scenic makers, technicians, technical specialists and production and stage managers)

 

The sessions explored topics from the perspectives of these roles, democratising the conversation, helping us understand the challenges production teams were facing as we moved back into physical spaces and explored new roles in digital productions. 

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The Panelists?

Returning to Physical Spaces: The panel was formed of Suha Al-Khayyat (Artistic Director of Little Fish), Amie Burns Walker (Creator of the immersive Great Gatsby with Hartshorn Hook), Kat Heath (Designer specialising in immersive performance) 

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Reaching Audiences: Was led by Lab Collective Members Natalie Scott and Antigoni Spanou

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Inclusive Practice in Immersive Contexts: Was led by Kamari Romeo (Founder of Humblebee Creative), Dani Mosely (Freelance Actor), Leon Wander (Facilitator, Inclusive Educator and Performer), Suha Al-Khayyat (Artistic Director of Little Fish Productions), Nick Llewellyn (Artistic Director, Access All Areas).

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What did people say?

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“It has inspired me to look for further inclusivity training, then also create an inclusivity policy for my company so that we can take action as an organisation and be part of the change that our industry is long overdue. We'll also take action with re sharing H&S best practices within the

industry to devise a safe plan to deliver performances post - Covid.” Reloaded symposium participant

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“I've continued having these conversations with people that are outside my circle. It's shown me how valuable it is to gather multiple views and opinions beyond my usual network.” Reloaded symposium participant

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“It meant that I, as a freelance artist who has had work cancelled in the last four months, was able to attend this highly important conversation.” Workshop and Reloaded Symposium Participant

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