Ensemble theatre
| Ensemble theatre occurs when, rather than auditioning freelancers on a project-by-project basis, a group of theatre artists work together over many years to create theatre. These artists can include performers, artistic directors, stage management and key administrative staff. |
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Other artists (such as writers, performers, directors, designers, composers and choreographers) provide ‘fresh eyes’ when brought in on an occasional basis, yet the work remains focused on the core artists.
Theatre companies that make use of the ensemble model can make the best use of rehearsal time – cutting out the ‘getting to know yous'. They often develop long term relationships with the communities they inhabit, which enriches the experience for all concerned. As well as this, the model can give give successful productions extended life so they are seen by widest possible audience.
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The artists can concentrate on creating work rather than obtaining it. They are able to broaden their creative range, whereas freelance artists can end up being typecast. Ensemble moreso than other models can offer opportunities for artists to develop work and their own skills. |
The community also feels the benefit of a richer theatre experience – not only in the opportunity to see better theatre through developing quality of the work, but through a sense of 'ownership' of the ensemble and an evolving relationship. This long-term arrangement also allows for more sustained provision of outreach and education work.
Experimentation may be even more essential to ensemble companies than others. Rigid ensemble policy may not always be appropriate - energy can be obtained from 'newness'. In long running productions there can be a tendency for actors (originally the right ages for their parts) to retain them once they have outgrown them. The concept is often impractical for new writing, as playwrights should be given total freedom in writing for the cast of their dream rather than that of the ensemble.
Although the community can be proud of its ensemble company, its establishment should not exclude opportunities for communities to see other work. The importance of other models of, for example touring theatre, should not be forgotten.
In practice, it is wholly possible to operate an ensemble company with vitality and deliver a rich and fresh theatre experience for the artist as well as the audience.
Ensemble theatre used to be far more widespread in the UK than at present. However, although the ensemble theatre tradition still flourishes throughout the rest of Europe, today there are very few professional ensemble companies in the UK. Scotland has only two of these. Pitlochry Festival Theatre operates a summer season based on an ensemble of actors, and has recently begun to present winter seasons incorporating several artforms. Dundee Rep is Scotland’s only full-time ensemble theatre company.
Read more about how the ensemble model has proved a success for Dundee Rep in this month's focus and profile. |