Coinciding with COP26, the UN Climate Summit  in Glasgow, Conference 21: Making Theatre Sustainable will show how, as we emerge from the pandemic, the theatre sector can and must play its part in protecting our planet and in advocating for a greener future more widely.

Making Theatre Sustainable explores how we can make every aspect of the theatre sector more sustainable, from our productions to our buildings and how we run them.

We will launch the completed Theatre Green Book  a unique opportunity to hear from the team of sustainability and theatre specialists behind it and from theatres who are already applying it in practice in their productions and buildings.

The programme will include a wide range of artists, production personnel, theatre operators, architects, engineers and sustainability experts from across the UK and internationally.

A mixture of thought-provoking discussions and in-depth practical sessions and case studies covering productions, buildings and operations, topics will include:

  • affordable ways to make green improvements to your theatre
  • should we build less and reuse more?
  • new research on the potential for carbon reduction in theatres and what it would cost
  • the challenges and opportunities of greening our historic theatres
  • the wider advocacy role of theatre and green theatre networks working together to support greater sustainability

Speakers and Programme

Speakers from the Arcola, Broadway Green Alliance, Buro Happold Engineering, Haworth Tompkins, Manchester International Festival, Mercury Theatre, National Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and Romiley Little Theatre are already confirmed with more to be announced over the coming weeks.

We will publish the full programme soon. Look out for updates on our social media channels by following #MakingTheatreSustainable

Drinks Reception

Conference 21 will be followed by a drinks reception. Open to all conference attendees, it provides an ideal opportunity to catch up with old friends and network with new contacts. Let us know if you plan to attend the reception when you book your conference tickets so we have an idea of numbers for catering.

Book your place

In recogntion of the difficult year that the theatre sector has faced, we have cut the cost of ticket prices this year by more than £100 compared to prices in 2019.

  • Theatres Trust Friends, Corporate Supporters and members of partner organisations: £90 plus booking fee and VAT
  • Standard ticket price: £110 plus booking fee and VAT.

Look out for discount codes in emails from Theatres Trust or your trade body soon. Alternatively if you are Theatres Trust Friend or Corporate Supporter and you want to book now, please email us at events@theatrestrust.org.uk to be sent a discount code.

Book your place via EventBrite.

Refund policy

Refunds will be available up to seven days before the event. Thereafter, refunds may be given at our discretion. Places can be transferred to another name.

In the event that government restrictions mean the conference is unable to go ahead as an in-person event, we will move to an online version. This will be offered at a reduced rate and refunds will be given to delegates for the difference in price.

Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners

Conference 21 is made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners. Find out more about this year’s sponsors and how your organisation can get involved.