University Women In The Arts Investigates Women In Theatre At Next Event

University Women in the Arts will investigate women in theatre at their next event.

The event, number eight in the series of fifteen events making up the one off University Women in the Arts scheme, will be with theatre director and former Artistic Director of Pentabus Theatre Elizabeth Freestone.

Elizabeth Freestone previously worked with the Guardian newspaper to investigate women in theatre, finding that women are still badly under represented, with a persistent 2:1 male-to-female ratio.

Jennifer Tuckett, Director of University Women in the Arts said: "We are delighted to be working with Elizabeth Freestone on event eight of University Women in the Arts. Elizabeth's research found that in many roles in theatre, including artistic directors, directors and playwrights, the number of men in those positions heavily outways the number of women. We look forward to discussing with Elizabeth her thoughts on this subject, her career, and her advice for women wanting to work in the arts as part of University Women in the Arts' aim to address why more women study the arts but less women work in the arts, particularly in artistic and leadership roles".

Elizabeth Freestone said: 'I'm looking forward to meeting the students next week and discussing the current situation for women in the arts. There have been encouraging signs regarding the gender balance in theatre over the last few years and the conversation about equality continues to top the industry agenda. But research - such as Victoria Sadler's excellent counting - continues to show areas of concern. The next generation of artists must remain vigilant and equipped; which is why the University Women in the Arts initiative is so important."

The event will discuss Elizabeth's career, her advice for women wanting to work in the arts, and her thoughts about women in theatre including Victoria Sadler's recent research which found the position for female playwrights is worsening.

Free tickets can be booked at: https://universitywomeninthearts-elizabethfreestone.eventbrite.co.uk.

University Women in the Arts is also currently running a survey to investigate the reasons why more women study the arts but less women work in the arts which can be completed here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/universitywomeninthearts

Other University Women in the Arts mentors include Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director of The Royal Court Theatre, Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of The English National Ballet, Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre and founder of the Women of the World Festival, Joanna Prior, Managing Director of Penguin Books, Amanda Foreman, academic, writer and presenter of "The Ascent of Women", and others.

For more information on the University Women in the Arts scheme in general and to join the mailing list to be kept informed of future events please go to: www.universitywomeninthearts.com

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