Time
Session
Location
1.00pm
Introduction to Rural and Small Scale Touring for artists or those new to conference.
An opportunity to run through the structure of rural and small scale touring, the way the schemes work and to ask questions related to the Rural Touring Guide which will have been circulated in advance.
Gallery
2.00pm
Opening Remarks
Matthew Linley sets the scene for the following three days and makes a formal welcome to the delegation.
Trevelyan Wright welcomes delegates to Wolverhampton Arts Centre and does any necessary house keeping.
Abi Reeve talks through the work of NRTF, learnings since starting, scene setting for the conference and then introduces to the stage first keynote speaker.
Theatre
2.15pm
Keynote: The Story You Sit Inside: Why Rural Touring Is at the Centre of Britain’s Cohesion Response
We are joined by Victoria Verbi, Head of Campaigns and Communications at /Together — Coalition to explore social cohesion in a rural context and investigate the work of the coalition in building bridges, connecting communities and breaking down division across British society.
Theatre
3.00pm
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are an Anglo-Scottish folk duo performing a tour-ready live show combining fiddle, guitar, vocal harmonies and foot-percussion to create the sound and energy of a much larger ensemble. Their performances blend original compositions with traditional material, presented with storytelling, humour, and strong audience interaction designed specifically for small and mid-scale venues such as village halls, arts centres, and community spaces.
Theatre
3.30pm
Ballyhoo: Bloom
Adele Wragg and Sarah Boulter
Spiltmilk have been making moves for almost 20 years and rural touring for 12. They dance with and for people of all ages, have toured over 300 community venues across the country and focus on making shows that are relevant and joyful.
ASK: Are there barriers / things Spiltmilk could provide that schemes need before they can book work like this? Spiltmilk have gained experience within this target audience and are more than happy to share if schemes are worried they can’t fill this audience ‘gap’
Theatre
3.45pm
Ballyhoo:The Storyteller
As a storyteller, playwright, access consultant and lecturer Lucy’s work is created to be accessible for blind and visually impaired audiences. She works with consultants and local communities to design work that is accessible for people who feel unwelcome in mainstream theatre venues.
ASK: To make this a reality The Storyteller needs partners who want to support diverse and locally driven work which educates audiences about the heritage and environment around them
Theatre
4.00pm
Refreshment Break
Cafe
4.30pm
Icebreaker: Speed Networking
Come and meet a variety of Touring colleagues in a fun and fast paced speed networking session to support new conversations at the start of conference.
Marquee
5.00pm
Panel Talk: Reflections on the Rural and Small Scale National Touring Picture
Drawing on a variety of perspectives this panel explores current activity, successes and challenges from across our national picture and what we can learn for future planning
Theatre
5.50pm
Ballyhoo: Cape Custard
Black Country Touring’s new family show invites you to step inside our magical inflatable theatre and transport your family to the faraway shores of Cape Custard.
Cape Custard – A Lighthouse Adventure is a fun-filled, heartwarming quest about bridging the gap with those who feel different, and discovering what truly matters. Suitable for age 3+, this adventurous tale is inspired by the production of Lighthouses at Chance Glassworks in Smethwick, West Midlands. The factory pioneered the development of lenses that continue to save lives on treacherous seas the world over, from the Cornish coast to Hawaii, and Karachi to Zanzibar.
Theatre
6.00pm
Hotel Check In
Time for delegates to check into Garner by IHG, 45 Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QL
Garner by IHG
6.00pm
Pedestrian Taxis with Jo and Hattie.
Venue to Hotel
6.30pm
Dinner with Fireaway Grill, one of Digbeth Dining Club’s rising star street food traders. Founded in 2012, Digbeth Dining Club are multi award-winning events and venue operators who have transformed the Midlands food landscape by turning some of the Midlands most unique venues, into vibrant, street-food destinations
Marquee
7.30pm
Panel Talk: Reflections on the Rural Touring Dance Initiative
As we come to the completion of 10 years of RTDI, we hear from artists and colleagues who have worked on the project about the longer term influence on their work – as companies, choreographers and programmers. Led by Eddie Nixon, Artistic Director of The Place.
Marquee
8.00pm
Showcase: NIDA by Sonia Sabri Company
Sonia Sabri Company creates exceptional South Asian dance and musical experiences for all kinds of audiences and participants.
Nida is an invitation to step into a glowing, intimate space where beautiful Kathak dance and soulful Indian music meet. This brand – new work from award-winning Sonia Sabri Company aims to capture the feeling of ‘home’ through the intricate movements and melodies of dancer and musician.
Gallery
8.30pm
Break – grab a drink from the bar in the marquee
Marquee
9.00pm
Showcase: Something OUTTA Nothing and Silent Disco
Jamaal O’Driscoll is a Birmingham-based dance artist and founder of O’Driscoll Collective, a creative initiative rooted in breaking, conversation, and community care.
Something OUTTA Nothing, is a playful, site-specific theatre adventure combining Breakin’ with immersive audio storytelling.
Grab a headset and join the journey of three friends as they hit the road in a rush to reach their own show.
Gallery
10.00pm
Pedestrian Taxis
Venue to Hotel