We are a sector leader in the North East for supporting professional theatre artists to develop their practice in working with, by and for children and young people. We do this by providing training, mentoring and employment opportunities for theatre artists - with a particular emphasis on those who are early career stage.
“Working for Mortal Fools is an exhilarating learning process. They never stop and get comfortable. They support their team to grow and develop, with them, with every project. They are always looking for ways to progress, to move forward, and actively respond to what’s happening around them.”
–Mortal Fools Artist
In 2021-22, we created 4 x permanent employed roles for participatory artists in our core team - creating a new structure through which we could support and train early career artists wishing to specialise in this area of work. We also provide opportunities to freelance artists across our portfolio of work - such as guest artists, or project contributors with specific expertise, practice or lived experience.
We want everyone who works with us to feel that they belong at Mortal Fools, and that their efforts and skills are appreciated. We believe that when it comes to job roles, it’s not helpful to restrict people into pre-determined boxes. Instead, we want all of our staff members to feel that their individual needs, interests and development goals are being met.
Artists and theatre makers that are part of our Mortal Fools community are supported in their development through:
We want everyone who works with us to feel that they belong at Mortal Fools, and that their efforts and skills are appreciated. We believe that when it comes to job roles, it’s not helpful to restrict people into pre-determined boxes. Instead, we want all of our staff members to feel that their individual needs, interests and development goals are being met.
Artists and theatre makers that are part of our Mortal Fools community are supported in their development through:
- one-to-one feedback and mentoring
- peer-to-peer support
- an environment where they are able to bring ideas, enthusiasm and talents to fruition
- the chance to work with a cross-sector network of national partners; expanding their professional networks and experience
- training by external providers, to support the personal development goals relevant to their role
- a safe, supportive, inclusive, and fun company culture
- opportunities to help shape the growth and development plans of the wider company
“I feel uplifted and passionate every time I come to work with Mortal Fools. Everyone is respected and held in such high regard with one another. There is a sense that we are all on the forefront of a new dawn of company management - where each and every member of the company is an essential part of the Mortal Fools jigsaw.”
– Mortal Fools Artist
Across the next 18 months, we will be launching another programme of subsidised workshops and training opportunities for artists and theatre makers. Training providers will include the likes of The Paper Birds, Company Three and us! To express an interest in finding out more about this programme drop us an email to say hello, via admin@mortalfools.org.uk and/or sign up to our mailing list.
Artist development networks that Mortal Fools are active members of:
ArtWorks Alliance
A network of organisations and individuals with a passion for participatory arts and the artists working in the field.
Co-Creating Change
A network and programme which explores the role which artists, cultural organisations and communities can play to co-create change together.
National Producers Taskforce
A network of UK-based creative organisations, working together to respond to issues - such as a lack of sustainable pathways into employment and leadership roles for young people, challenges in recruiting young producers, and people from underserved communities falling through the gaps.
The Freelance Task Force
Created in April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 150 sponsor organisations (including us) joined together to support freelance theatre and live performance makers - by providing paid work and a forum for constructive discussion on changes in the industry.
We also regularly engage with peer networks, such as North East Cultural Freelancers, Wor Culture and Digital Culture Network.
A network of organisations and individuals with a passion for participatory arts and the artists working in the field.
Co-Creating Change
A network and programme which explores the role which artists, cultural organisations and communities can play to co-create change together.
National Producers Taskforce
A network of UK-based creative organisations, working together to respond to issues - such as a lack of sustainable pathways into employment and leadership roles for young people, challenges in recruiting young producers, and people from underserved communities falling through the gaps.
The Freelance Task Force
Created in April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 150 sponsor organisations (including us) joined together to support freelance theatre and live performance makers - by providing paid work and a forum for constructive discussion on changes in the industry.
We also regularly engage with peer networks, such as North East Cultural Freelancers, Wor Culture and Digital Culture Network.
Keep in touch with us!
We are always open to connecting with passionate folks that want to use their skills to unlock the potential in others, and have an impact on the lives of young people and communities. If you’re a theatre practitioner, facilitator, youth worker, professional artist and/or interested in co-creation, drop us an email to say hello at info@mortalfools.org.uk.
