Freelancers make theatre work
We listen, support and advocate for ALL freelancers in the arts. We are an inclusive, independent community for the 200,000+ self-employed and freelance workers from all areas of theatre, opera and live performance, who make up 70% of the UK theatre workforce.
Listen
Whether in person, through surveys, or via our digital channels, we keep an ear to the ground.
Support
Explore online and in-person resources for freelance focussed support.
Advocate
We lobby industry leaders, organisations & government to champion the freelancers' voice.
Home of The Big Freelancer Survey. The ONLY industry wide survey conducted BY freelancers FOR freelancers, providing detailed analysis of the past 12 months. The data feeds into ongoing lobbying of both industry bodies and government, informing them where support is most needed and what the greatest issues facing arts freelancers are.
%
of the Theatre workforce are Freelancers
estimated jobs in the Arts sector
%
of the entire UK workforce is arts and culture
billion contributed to the UK economy by the Art and Culture sector in 2023
The Big Freelancer Survey 2025 report ‘Who’s Taking The Hit?’ is available to read NOW here.
Support
From anti-racism to wellbeing support, we've got a huge array of freelancer focussed resources available here.Â
Write to your MP
We urgently encourage you to write to your MP.  Let’s keep the pressure up and the message about freelancers being forgotten on the agenda.
Workshops & events
Always FREE for freelancers, explore what workshops, seminars and events we have coming up.
The Big Freelancer Survey 2025
The Big Freelancer Survey aims to provide a detailed report of the past 12 months. The 2025 report is OUT NOW
Support your freelancers
10 actions you can implement NOW to support your freelancers...
CIISA Standards
The minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries to enable safe and inclusive working environments.
Bullying & Harassment
Whether employed, self-employed or freelance, we all have a right to a safe and harassment free workplace.Â
Explore the e-learning module from Creative UK
In April 2026 we received 'Strategic Leadership Funding' from Arts Council England on behalf of DCMS as well as funding via Lloyd Webber Theatres, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, Michael Harrison Productions, Empire Street Productions, Nick Grace Management, Jamie Wilson and Trafalgar Global, who for the first time have directly contributed to ensure this vital sector-support service continues, freelancers were asked to contribute where they could, and many leading freelancers joined as supporters.
Previously, Freelancers Make Theatre Work’s core work has been supported by The Backstage Trust, The National Theatre Foundation, the Paul Hamlin Foundation, the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund, The National Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, The Old Vic, Glyndebourne, The English National Ballet, The Southbank Centre, English National Opera and individual donors.
