Programming
Artistic Policy
Hull Truck Theatre is the flagship venue for Hull and the surrounding region presenting a theatre-led, mixed-disciplinary programme of produced and visiting work. We are a pioneering theatre with a unique Northern Voice, locally rooted, global in outlook, inspiring artists, audiences and communities to reach their greatest potential.
We are excited by work that is imaginative, compelling and reflects the diversity of a modern Britain through a focus on stories and people. We aim to present exceptional work across a broad range of theatrical forms and styles, to delight and inspire our wide range of audiences.
The values which underpin our programme are: Innovation; Inclusion and Integrity.
Stage 1
Drama is at the heart of our programming, and we have relationships with a number of key touring partners whose work we programme on a regular basis, including Northern Broadsides, The John Godber Company and Hull Jazz Festival.
Dance, music and comedy are programmed across both spaces and, as with the drama programme, we curate and promote work by companies of national repute.
Godber Studio
Godber Studio is a space for new and sometimes more challenging theatrical experiences. We are particularly interested in exploring the idea of a ‘Northern voice’, and of increasing the depth of our relationship (and that of our audiences) with artists making theatre in the North through supporting the creative development of work. The Studio is also a fully equipped cinema and we present a programme of live stream broadcasts and independent films with partners such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and Hull Independent Cinema.
How We Programme
We are committed to presenting work that reflects the diverse communities and artists that populate our nation. We will not book work that does not meet the overall values of the theatre or that does not reflect the diversity and inclusion of a modern Britain.
We focus on the following strands to deliver thrilling and vital work that speaks of today:
Good Fit
This is the broadest of our strands, incorporating performances that make a good night out for diverse audiences and including everything from classical drama to jazz and stand-up comedy.
Innovative
Our primary focus for our visiting studio programme will be on developing and showcasing the work of contemporary UK artists and widening the pool of Northern based artists.
Through our partnerships with Venues North and artist networks, we will programme a diverse range of work from new writing from well established companies such as Graeae, Eclipse, Paines Plough, Sherman Theatre Cymru to spoken word, comedy and contemporary dance and circus.
Local to Hull & East Yorkshire
As the largest producing theatre in Hull & East Yorkshire, we aim to represent and nurture the talent and experience local to Hull Truck Theatre. This work will either be made in Hull & East Yorkshire or have a clear link to the region (individual artists, stories that resonate etc).
Children & Family
We look to programme a broad range of work for families and children, from well-known titles to innovate and contemporary storytelling.
Hull Truck Theatre Productions
This strand is solely for Hull Truck Theatre produced work, found mainly on Stage 1. You will find highlights in our theatre brochures and we have regular Spring, Summer and Autumn slots – as well as our Youth Theatre and family Christmas show.
If you are interested in having your work programmed at Hull Truck Theatre:
Tour-ready
If the show is tour-ready, please send a tour pack to programming@hulltruck.co.uk with copy, images, reviews, and an indication of who the work is for. Please do not send a script or DVD unless requested. Please be clear about how you think your work fits into one (or more) of the above programming strands.
In Development
If the show is in development, please introduce yourself and your work and tell us why you are interested in working with Hull Truck Theatre and what your work offers our audiences. Let us know where and when we can see your work, and which other industry partners you are working with. We rarely programme work by artists whose work we are not familiar with, so invitations to festivals, showcases and scratch performances in advance of tour booking are welcome. We also take recommendations from industry colleagues.
Hull Truck Theatre is a member of Venues North, a group of 20 venues from across the North of England who are committed to supporting artists to create new work. The group’s aim is to work together as venues to support new and emerging artists from the North to get their work more widely seen regionally, nationally and internationally. The group meets regularly to develop and share best practice around talent development, and the compilation of this new guide is a response to the group’s experience of being approached by artists and companies trying to get their work programmed.
Routes In contains lots of hints and tips about how to build relationships with venues, along with details about each venue’s artistic policy and how to contact them about your work.