Connecting the Dots

Announcing: Connecting the Dots - a pilot initiative

The past few years have been a testing time for our industry. Looking to the future, we want to change how we work together in Bristol and the South West — as a small group of venues, we have started thinking about how as a collective we might find moments in the year to link our pathways and programmes for artists, celebrating and sustaining them alongside platforming their work in the places they call home.   

Throughout March, join us in exploring what a connected city offer for theatre-makers might look like. Co-delivered by Bristol Old Vic, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Trinity Centre and The Wardrobe Theatre & with input from many others, Connecting the Dots is a joined-up initiative piloting how we can work together to present and cross-promote shows, free workshops, meetups, residencies and open forums for artists and audiences here in the South West.  

This is a pilot – a work-in-progress, even. It’s the beginning of an idea pulled together at pace with a want from all of us to build for the future. The initiative will have events that take place in-person and a small digital programme. We want to know what you think of it and to hear your feedback and your ideas for what this could become. 

With love,   

Trinity Centre, Bristol Old Vic, The Wardrobe Theatre & Tobacco Factory Theatres.  

At Bristol Old Vic: Check out the full programme here

WORKSHOPS 

From 7th March Various dates/times Come and upskill yourself in all the bits of creative life that don't get taught in school. From finance, to how to write a really good email, to prioritising care and wellbeing in your work, join us in-person and online for a month of free workshops. Programme coming soon 

MEETUP WEEK 

21st-25th March Over the past few years we’ve really missed sharing space together. So, for a week in March, we’ve booked out a room and persuaded some wonderful South West artists to host a mini-programme of discipline-specific meetups. Don’t worry, these aren’t horrible stand-around-and-network events. Each one will offer a tangible focus for you to get on with, so the Making Friends With Others is basically accidental! Programme coming soon.

Access 

 We will gladly book interpreters and/or captioning for any events as needed. If you have booked for an event and require interpretation, captioning, or another access adjustment, please email elinor.lower@bristololdvic.org.uk and we will book it. If possible, please give us at least 5 day’s notice so we can ensure captioners/interpreters are available. All rooms are wheelchair accessible via lift and have access to accessible and gender neutral toilets. 

 Financial barriers  

These workshops are offered for free but if there we have a limited number of stipends available for those that might experience financial barriers to attendance. This could go towards travel, your time, etc. To request one, drop us an email at elinor.lower@bristololdvic.org.uk - stipends will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Other Connecting the Dots activity around the city:

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRES 

PROTOTYPE: A FESTIVAL OF EARLY IDEAS 
Prototype brings you a varied programme of innovative and courageous new performances by South West artists. Experience the unfolding of the creative process, and connect with performers as they unleash their newest ideas. There will be four or five short performances each night, each one lasting 5-20 minutes. Prototype aims to spark inspiring conversations and connections. So please stay after the performances and discuss what you’ve seen at our friendly Feedback Cafe.

Standard tickets are £10 per night, and by attending you’ll support the creation of new work (each artist/company is offered a modest fee). If you need to spend a little less at the moment, you can attend for just £6. 

Free Play Sessions 
Thursday mornings throughout March 
9am-11am 
Our theatre and bar spaces will be available for you to stretch, warm-up, play and connect. Sessions are informal and all attendees can feel free to facilitate or lead activities, or practice on your own – whatever feels best. Free tea and coffee will also be provided, and you are welcome to stay afterwards to work and chat in the bar.

TRINITY CENTRE

On the Inside 
25 March 

On the Inside is an explosive full-length piece told through striking dance theatre, created by Bristol based Untold Dance Theatre whose work focuses on mental health and current socio-political issues created via a gendered perspective. 

Panel Discussion – Final Frontier 
5 March 

Arts for art’s sake or arts for sake of society? Join local artists Tom Marshman, Michelle Curtis and Rider Shafique as they discuss the ways in which their work responds to and influences public discussion, and address the ways in which the arts are integral to protest movements. Part of Art of Resistance programme. 

Like Mercury 
12 March 

Through a queer lens, a dynamic trio of movement artists from Houston Dance Collective and world champion beatboxer and musician Bellatrix share stories, dismantle internalised beliefs, challenge binaries and collectively re-imagines a future that celebrates identities and centres community. 

THE WARDROBE THEATRE 
More info coming soon