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. 

Drama, dance, music and comedy are programmed across both spaces, and we only programme work that meets a range of parameters. We want work that is ‘A Good Night Out’ and work that features Diverse Stories, Insights and Voices. Drama is at the heart of our programming. We programme a mixture of one-nighters with a view to commit to longer runs for Drama that aligns with our values. 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.

We will not book work that does not meet the overall values of the theatre. This includes a commitment to presenting work that reflects the diverse communities and artists that populate our nation.

The values which underpin our program are: Innovation; Inclusion and Integrity.

Stage 1

Stage 1 is our main space and is for larger touring shows. The type of work we programme here is from established companies and booking agents that can appeal to a broad range of audiences.

Godber Studio

The Godber Studio is a space for new and more challenging theatrical experiences. The work here can be more varied and more specific in target audience.

How We Programme 

There are 2 stages of programming: When we receive a programming request and it is received by our Producer/Programmer

1.    It is taken to a Marketing and Comms team meeting to discuss whether this would be a good fit with our audiences and to weigh this against financial viability.

2.    It is then taken to an Artistic Meeting to discuss whether it is a good fit for the programme and how it fits within the overall season.

3.    At this point, our Producer/Programmer will likely reach out to you and discuss dates and deals.

We do get a lot of programming requests, which come in at various points of the programming cycle. We will, where possible try to answer requests, but this is not always possible, so if we haven’t responded please don’t hold dates for us without a formal conversation

We focus on the following strands to deliver thrilling and vital work that speaks of today: 

Local and Northern Stories

Work that can clearly demonstrate its resonance with our city and wider region.

Ambition and Invention 

Performances that are ambitious in scale, scope and daring as well as originality.

Joy (A Good Night Out)

Work that’s primary ambition is to entertain our audience, bringing joy and laughter. 

Children and Families/Young People

We primarily programme children and families work of a commercial nature as well as producing our own work.                    

Diverse Stories, Insights and Voices            

Hull Truck Theatre is committed to presenting work that reflects the diverse communities and artists that populate our nation

Audience Recognition   

Pieces that audiences already have a connection to—whether through familiarity with the artists, the production, or the intellectual property (IP) involved—offering strong appeal through known content or cultural relevance

Artist support: 

Grow is our year-round artist development scheme for artists and companies at all stages of their career. Each year we host our annual ‘Grow’ Season which consists of workshops, conversations, performances of new work and creative networking opportunities. Applications for residencies, scratch nights and other opportunities are advertised on our website. We also offer informal 1-2-1 sessions with local artists throughout the year. 

Commission or support new work in development: 

We do commission new work and this is usually with companies and artists we already have established relationships with. Therefore, we recommend getting in touch for a chat in the first instance. Where possible we do support new work which may be with Producer and Dramaturg support or the offer of rehearsal space.

Financial deals: 

We work on a range of deals dependent on the show, our audience forecast and our relationship with the artist or company

Artists can contact us by: 

Email 

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 do be clear about how you think your work fits into one (or more) of the first three programming strands.

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 also take recommendations from industry colleagues 

How far in advance: 6-12 Months 

We aren’t interested in booking: 

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. Further to this we do not programme work by stage mediums or psychics and will not program tribute acts unless their offering is part of a wider high quality production.

Spaces & Capacities: 

Seasons: 

Jan-Jul (Finalised Programming in Oct with season on sale in November)

Sep-Jan (Finalised Programming in June with season on sale in July)