How to Build a Theatre

In this podcast episode of "How to Build a Theatre," co-hosts Phil Wilcox and Edward McMillan engage with guest Fabrice Murgia, a Belgian theatre and opera director. They discuss the intricacies of establishing a theatre space, the itinerant nature of theater companies, and the integration of technology in the arts. Murgia shares his immigrant background and his artistic journey, reflecting on the differing support for the arts in Flanders and Wallonia and the societal influence of theatre. The episode also covers Murgia's upcoming projects, including with various opera companies, highlighting the cultural and political facets of theatre production in Belgium.

In this special episode, Phil and Edward head to Inside Out Festival Dorset to see the impact that a local theatre festival can have on the way we relate to our planet. During their day at the festival, they get to know the creatives that contribute to the festival and examine the continuing value of "glocal" arts festivals. For an introduction to Inside Out Festival, check out episode 26: Curating an Outdoor Theatre Festival

In this month's episode, we hear from US-American playwright, George Brant. George Brant wrote the iconic drama that explores drone warfare, GROUNDED; a play that is being produced by The Bridge Theatre in 2023. George explains how his background as an actor helps his writing process and discusses the continuing relevance of the play that is over 10 years old. You can find out more about George Brant via his website: https://georgebrant.net/

In a change from the normal podcast routine, Phil and Edward get out in the field at Inside Out Festival in Dorset, UK. In this episode, they hear from Bill Gee and Kate Wood, co-artistic directors of the 10-day festival that takes place in rural and urban areas in the south of England every two years. This episode is a must for anyone exploring how to make relevant and meaningful outdoor theatre.

As a theatre that aspires to reflect the dreams, wishes and realities of the local context where we are based, we are always keen to learn more about our beautiful city, Brussels! And who better to talk to than the esteemed Professor Philippe van Parijs, Belgian political philosopher and expert on Brussels. Join Phil and Edward for this fascinating conversation and get to know the Capital of Europe from the inside.

In this episode, Phil and Edward talk with Jess Lowe, an agent for actors, about what it means to represent an actor and the highs and lows of doing so. Jess explains how she got into the industry and muses on the trends affecting the casting process.

Fred Rossillion, Sales & Events Manager at the Théâtre de Liège tells Phil and Edward about his experiences of working with the Liège-based companies to further the mission of his city's theatre. In this episode, Fred explains the importance of building personal connections and how companies are looking for much more than just a logo on a poster in their relations with cultural institutions.

In this month's episode, Edward and Phil dive into the conversation with Luca Dellatorre, Associate Director of Acoustics at CharcoalBlue, a global leader in theatre, acoustics, and digital design. Together, they explore the unseen aspects that can make or break a theatre experience for the audience.

In this episode, your hosts, Phil and Edward, talk with Samuel Hus of In Limbo. In Limbo is an initiative started by four Brussels-based organisations that aims to facilitate the donation and reuse of materials within the socio-cultural sector in Brussels. With over 500 partners, In Limbo helps reduce the flow of materials to the recycling sector and ensures that organisations with fewer resources can obtain these reusable materials.

In this month's episode, Phil and Edward chat with Heidi Wiley, Executive Director of the European Theatre Convention (ETC), about the main trends and topics affecting theatres across Europe today. The ETC is a fantastic example of a once primarily nationalised sector joining forces across different traditions to become a stronger sector at the European level. ETC is the largest network of publicly-funded theatres in Europe, with 57 members in 30 countries. They organise a wide range of activities to create new theatre, support and develop people working in theatre, and fight for the European theatre sector in a political context. You can find out more at: https://www.europeantheatre.eu/

Sustainability is a core value of The Bridge Theatre, so Phil and Edward take some time to step away from the world of theatre to talk with the project managers of Donut.Brussels, led by the NGO Confluences, to see what Donut Economics is all about, how it is being applied in Brussels, and what theatres should bear in mind in order to have the most impact on sustainability. You can read more about Donut Economics on: https://donut.brussels/ or https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/

Phil and Edward talk with theatre maker, Kevin Dyer, about his journey to becoming an actor, director, writer and dramaturg. We explore the role of a dramaturg in today's theatre world and uncover why theatre is the most collaborative work environment out there. You can find out more about Kevin's work via his website: http://www.kevindyer.co.uk/

Phil and Edward finally take us onto the stage and find out what life is really like to be a jobbing actor. Michelle Scott, actress of stage and screen from South Africa, tells us what it is like to belong to a permanent troupe of actors, how it is to juggle theatre and family life, and what it feels like to walk down that famous red carpet in Cannes.

This month's guest is Francesco Bianchi. Francesco is a translator, playwright and director from Italy, with links in Brussels. We talk about what it means to be a translator of the spoken word and the complexities that can come up, as well as the specificities of being a freelancer in today's world.

Phil and Edward talk to Marie de Wit, who works at Promethea, a Belgian nonprofit that connects cultural institutions with private sector partners. They discuss the relevance of private sector involvement in culture in the Belgian context; a context that is traditionally dominated by public funding by the tax payer.

In this episode, Phil and Edward talk with Lara Staal, a Dutch theatre curator with strong links to Belgium, about what it means to be a theatre curator and how European theatres are making collective efforts towards tackling the climate emergency. (photo credit: Stine Sampers)

Phil and Edward talk through the latest developments on the road to establishing a new English-language theatre in Brussels and, surprise surprise, it is not always plain sailing!

Phil and Edward discuss with Jez Bond about the role of an Artistic Director in the running of a theatre.

Phil and Edward discuss how theatres can become more sustainable with chartered engineer, Andrew Wylie. Andrew has worked on many large-scale theatre projects and is co-coordinator of the Theatre Green Book, a practical guide to make the theatre industry greener.

Phil and Edward talk with Ralf Wetzel, Professor Organisation & Applied Arts at Vlerick Business School, Improviser and Clown performer. Ralf tells us how improvisation help him get over a difficult period in his life and propelled him to find his inner performer, acquiring skills that he now employs in the classroom as well as on-stage.

Phil and Edward take a moment to discuss the highs and lows of the first year in the life of The Bridge Theatre.

Phil and Edward talk with Joseph Smith, Olivier Award-winning producer of hits such as Come From Away, Jerusalem and Spring Awakening. Joseph chats about his amazing career and uncovers the mysteries about what a theatre producer actually does!

Robert Chevara, award-winning theatre director and director of The Bridge Theatre's debut play, Vincent River, talks to Phil and Edward about his career in opera and theatre directing. During the chat, Robert explains why he was first drawn to work on Vincent River and why the play's themes are so relevant in today's societal context.

In a break from the usual format, Edward takes us on an immersive journey through The Bridge Theatre's five-day summer school for young people, which took place at the end of August 2021. The episode includes clips from the rehearsals and interviews with the participants.

Phil and Edward converse with the Development Director at London's Royal Court Theatre, Vicki Grace. Vicki tells us why theatres partner with firms and how they develop relationships that go beyond mere sponsorship.

Phil and Edward chat to Charlie Swan, co-founder of PCA, a training company that specialises in human-centred leadership development. PCA uses theatre and drama techniques to creatively assist firms to enable leadership at all levels. You can find out more about the work of PCA here: https://pca-global.com/.

Phil and Edward chat to UK-based theatre director, writer, and workshop animateur, Kate McGregor, about her experiences of working with young people around the UK and beyond, and the inspiring role the arts can play in transforming people's lives.

Phil and Edward chat to Tom Dello about the history of English theatres in Europe and what it is like to run a theatre producing work in English. Tom Dello is the Artistic Director STET The English Theatre, based in the Hague in the Netherlands.

In this first episode, Phil and Edward discuss the concept behind creating a new theatre for Brussels, giving some clues as to what to expect from the new venue.

Hi, I'm Edward, co-founder of a brand new theatre. This podcast follows my journey of creating the theatre and explores the role of theatre in today's society. Episodes come out monthly.