THE THEATRICAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (TMA)
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Formed by Sir Henry Irving in 1894, Irving’s first Presidential speech introduced TMA as “[protecting] ... the interests of theatrical
managers, to resist encroachments, and to obtain redress of grievances. The purpose for which we have met here today must, I am
quite sure, commend itself to all. We are simply forming the nucleus of a protective body, so that we can from a central point look
after the interests of theatrical managers throughout the country”.
TMA is the UK-wide sister organisation of The Society of London Theatre and has members in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and
Wales.
TMA Statement
The Theatrical Management Association represents the essential interests of the performing arts in the UK.
TMA is dedicated to:
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promoting excellence in the production, presentation and management of live performance
supporting its members in all aspects of their professional activities
strengthening links between members for the exchange of ideas, information and expertise
encouraging recognition of the vital role of the performing arts.
TMA represents building-based theatres:
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subsidised, producing houses
presenting / touring houses
commercial non-subsidised repertory
local authority venues
community theatres
and organisations:
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touring companies - subsidised and commercial
opera & ballet
theatre for children, Theatre in Education & Young Peoples’ theatre.
A cross-section of its membership (nearly 400 members) is:•
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© TMA
Almeida Theatre, London
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Bush Theatre, London
Live Nation
Chichester Festival Theatre
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Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Derby Playhouse
Hampstead Theatre, London
The Hiss & Boo Company
Michael Codron Plays Ltd
Midlands Arts Centre (mac)
New Theatre, Cardiff
Palace Theatre, Watford
QDOS
Rambert Dance Company
Riverside Theatre, Coleraine
Scottish Opera
Tara Arts
Complicite
Theatre Royal, Norwich
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Unicorn Theatre for Children
Welsh National Opera
2.2 PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES OF TMA
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standard terms and conditions negotiated with the entertainment unions
legal, industrial and management advice from in-house staff
lobbying and campaigning
nation-wide Awards scheme to promote regional theatre
Annual Conference for members as well as social events for networking opportunities
the opportunity to participate in the nation-wide Theatre Tokens scheme.
2.3 TMA TRAINING
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training policy activities across the sector, from senior arts management training to customer service skills for FOH staff,
using courses, local networks, mentoring etc
The Druidstone Essentials of Marketing Course - TMA’s long-running and sought-after introduction to arts marketing employs
experienced marketeers to train those starting out on an arts marketing career
Walking the Tightrope - Management for Senior Arts Marketing staff
Making Tracks - a two day residential course for managers/administrators of dance, drama, opera/music-theatre and building
based companies planning to develop their national touring
ad-hoc seminars and courses - recent topics have included box office and marketing, data protection, contract and copyright
law, direct marketing, group sales.
2.4 TMA WEBSITE AND PUBLICATIONS
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TMA’s website at www.tmauk.org has steadily been developing since its launch in May 2000. The public part of the site is accessible
to anyone and it contains several facilities which are of interest to new producers: •
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the latest Pay Rates for TMA’s agreements with the theatrical unions
an Events and Courses section
an informative page on TMA’s quarterly magazine Prompt and details of subscriptions
a list of TMA members with websites
a list of arts related website addresses
a job vacancy service for administration and management posts
information on the TMA’s Theatre Awards.
The second part of the site is the password-protected area for TMA members, which is substantially bigger. All the TMA circulations,
or Newsletters, automatically go onto the site and previous issues are archived. In addition in this section of the site there are:
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issues of Legal Update
Industrial Relations information and news
the full searchable TMA Membership Directory
Tour Booking facilities, with availability for shows and venues
Frequently Asked Questions
index of downloadable documents.
Prompt - TMA’s quarterly journal produced for all those involved in theatre management includes a wide range of articles, regular
audience statistics and TMA’s ongoing business survey.
2.5 TO BECOME A PRODUCING MEMBER OF THE TMA
Applications are eligible from any producing company or organisation provided they:•
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are involved in whole or in part in the presentation of performing arts
can satisfy TMA’s Council as to their legal and financial probity, and
subscribe to the aims of the Association.
TMA members are given 21 days’ notice in which to raise any objections to the application, after which membership is granted.
2.6 TMA MEMBERSHIP FEES
The basic membership fee for Commercial Producers is £233 per annum plus VAT. In addition there will be a variable subscription fee
charged according to the number of weeks touring undertaken by productions promoted directly by or managed through your
company. The variable subscription fee applied to a full or split week of a tour of a play will be £25.00 plus VAT; for a musical the
variable subscription fee applied will be £40.00 per week plus VAT. Tours of one-night stands will not incur any variable fee.
2.7 BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
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standard contracts, terms and conditions for employees
free industrial, professional and legal advice from in-house staff
national lobbying and campaigns in the UK and in Europe on issues that affect the theatre industry
Prompt, the TMA’s lively and informative quarterly journal, enclosed with regular circulations
audience survey figures throughout the year and summarised annually
eligibility for TMA’s Theatre Awards
an annual Conference and regular networking opportunities to address current concerns and catch up with other theatre
professionals
custom-designed training courses
monthly circulations on current management information and issues, e.g. health & safety, industrial relations, employment
law
online Membership Directory with contact details of every member.
2.8
TMA shares offices and some staff with SOLT (see Section 2.1)
ADDRESS:
32 Rose Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 9ET
Tel:
020 7557 6700
Fax:
020 7557 6799
Email:
enquiries@solttma.co.uk
Website:
www.tmauk.org
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