All Change Please: A Practical Guide to Achieving Gender Equality in Theatre

by Lucy Kerbel

'Lucy Kerbel's work has become increasingly pivotal in helping the entire industry raise its game... this illuminating book answers the cynic, informs the impartial, converts the supporter into an activist and equips them all; not in a rallying cry of anger-fuelled idealism, but in a calm, pragmatic and clear-eyed way.' Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, from his Foreword

Theatre needs to change. Everywhere – in its boardrooms, on its stages, throughout its repertoires – it could be so much more successful at reflecting the gender balance of the world it seeks to represent.

This is a book about why change matters, its benefits – artistic, commercial, ethical and social – and how, with everyone's help, we can actually achieve it. From small shifts, such as how you run your meetings, or what's on the shelves of your school library, to rethinking concepts as huge as the art we inherit, how we attribute excellence, and the constraints we unwittingly pass on to the next generation, there are things we can all do to bring about change.

In this book, you'll find provocations to help you consider your current practices and their effects, challenge unconscious biases and identify opportunities for change, plus strategies and tools to help you decide where best to focus your efforts, to convince others why change matters, and to achieve meaningful, lasting success.

Eye-opening, empowering and inspiring, All Change Please is a book for anyone who loves theatre. Whether you make it, teach it, watch it or study it, everyone has their own unique part to play in helping refresh, reshape and re-imagine the industry as truly diverse, equal and inclusive.

'We are the industry. If things will shift it is down to us, all of us, to make that happen. We all need to reflect on how we work, how we think, and how we make choices. That's what will drive the greatest change.'

Since 2011, Lucy Kerbel and her organisation Tonic Theatre have been working with companies and individuals across the theatre industry to support them in achieving greater gender equality in their work and workforces. Her first book, 100 Great Plays for Women, is also published by Nick Hern Books.

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2017

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone in the arts or receiving of the arts. (Hint: that means everyone)

[Charlotte Claydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years back and it definitely ignited my interest in fairness, equality and inclusion in the arts. Back in 2018 as someone new to the concepts that Kerbel discusses I would've given it 5*. Re-reading it again 5 years later I believe this is a brilliant book for those who are just starting on this journey of activism in the arts, or those who don't know what it is or why it's important.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a great book for establishing A baseline in the importance of equality and diversity issues. Touches on some psychology, current issues, and, most importantly, statistical and organizational development best practices that arts organizations can use in their work – and it doesn’t necessarily mean spending more money or time or resources! A great book

[Dísa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not really learn much that I didn't know before, however, what makes this book so great is that finally, we have a reference to what women have been saying for years. Actual statistics of what is going on in the industry regarding gender equality. The prose is easy to read and not dry at all.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes a great look at increasing gender equality and creating change in the theatre industry. Though I wish it talked more generally about change and creating diversity, equity and inclusion, the guidelines outlined in the book easily can be transfer. At times the book was full of very long sentences and not the easiest to read but over all a must read for anyone working in a creative arts industry.