Co-production Agreements In Theatre: Practical Issues To Consider

Co-productions – that is, productions devised by or produced by more than one theatre company – are a vital part of the theatre eco-system, facilitating the presentation of theatrical works that one theatre company alone might not have the resources to present.

Co-productions are particularly relevant in the current climate, given the increasing financial pressures faced by British theatres (increasing costs; smaller audiences), and the ongoing reduction in funding for the arts generally.

Most co-production agreements (in theatre and otherwise) will lay out the terms upon which the parties will work together to develop, produce, finance or stage a production. Co-productions are however often complex, involving difficult decisions and negotiations across every aspect of a production. As such, it is important that a co-production agreement clearly specifies the roles, contributions and ongoing obligations of each party and that such agreements are put in place before development or