Memorandum submitted by Mr David Francis,
PRS Foundation
The PRS Foundation is one of the few funding
organisations who support the development process relating to
new Music Theatre works. What is interesting is that despite our
modest contribution to this area PRSF is one of the largest funders
for the development of new Music Theatre in the UK (outside the
commercial sector).
Seed funding for the development of any new
work should not be beyond the realms of the funding system regardless
of the genre. However, it is clear to PRSF that new Music Theatre
does not, in general, seem to have the financial support other
genres of music attract.
In our experience the creation of new Music
Theatre is often used as a vehicle for projects focused on communities,
access and inclusion (Operation Hackney, Orpheus Centre) but sources
of funding available for music projects with a social agenda are
far greater than for projects which simply develop new work and
further a particular genre (this is true in all genres of music).
Some centres for the development of new Music
Theatre works have emerged: Battersea Arts Centre, Bridewell Theatre
and now Greenwich Theatre. The National Youth Music Theatre were
working on an exciting initiative "Generator" to devise
new work before ceasing operations. Likewise Chicken Shed's output
was entirely made up of new work before they began their period
of closure. However, as demonstrated by recent events at NYMT
and Chicken Shed it is clear that the long term existence of these
centres is precarious, despite notable success.
In terms of financing the development of new
Music Theatre, the costs at the early stages should be no greater
than any other genre of music—it is the demand on the finances
which is different (in that the process may involve creative workshops/try
outs, rather than, for instance, a commission fee and one rehearsal).
Successes may be few and far between, but this
is by no means unique to Music Theatre and not a reason to single
it out. Music Theatre has as much right to development funding
as any other genre: the funding system should recognise that.
Whether or not Music Theatre should have special treatment is
an argument for the sector itself to pursue.
25 November 2003
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