What thing about Theatre and the Performing Arts (etc!) do you wish you had known sooner?

People shared the practical things they'd known about, and we also had a discussion about the complexities and intricacies of mentorship. We also shared how hard it is to get the word out about inclusive initiatives that might facilitate knowledge sharing. We considered the danger of LinkedIn as a career highlight reel and found a shared belief in the importance of being transparent about the blips inbetween. We talked about the roles of hindsight and foresight in an artistic journey.

Mentorship/Consultancy/Coaching/Holding Space?
- We discussed the complexities of having coffee and giving advice across generations. It is really important to maintain boundaries but also to be honest and transparent. Some mentors mentioned struggling with wanting to solve all the mentees problems, but mentees shared that they just want a space to navigate and discuss where they're at, and are not expecting a magic wand.
- Organisations should value mentoring time as working hours, and empower those who have valuable advice to pass on but do not feel confident enough to offer it yet to have coffee/mentor etc.
- Who might take up the responsibility for mentorship/coffee training? How to make it a safe and authentic practice for all?
- Mentor Imposter Syndrome was a recurring theme. Point out other people's value to them and encourage them to share it with others.
- LinkedIn perpetuates a narrative that everyone else's career journey is smooth sailing - how can we dispell this myth?
- 'Consultancy' has more monetary value than 'mentoring'. Do we need to reframe this process in order to get funding for it?

Getting the word out about opportunities can be frustrating and difficult. The lack of a centralised hub is difficult. How does word of mouth help/harm?

Practical Advice
- Learn about Theatre Tax Relief as soon as you can
- Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be lifechanging
- Submit an Access to Work Funding request
- Grow a moustache sooner! It is great for the spotlight algorithm.
- Get really good at being good at what you do alongside other people - be collaborative.
- Learn the different languages that different funding bodies want you to speak.
- Get to grips with the differences between subsidised and commercial theatre.
- Figure out what your magic tricks are and how might you share yours with others?
- Networking horizontally with your peers and collaborating with them is as valuable as networking vertically.
- Realising that working in the performing arts is a job not only a dream can be a harsh, complex reality to get to grips with.
- You don't expire in your career! You can head in new directions!


Many thanks to Beatrice for her beautiful visual minutes, attached.