Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
UK Stage Directors Release Census 2023, Conducted By SDUK

UK Stage Directors Release Census 2023, Conducted By SDUK

Over 500 UK-based stage directors participated in the survey, representing all levels of the profession.

Stage Directors UK (SDUK) has released the findings of the 2023 Stage Directors Census. Over 500 UK based stage directors participated in the survey, representing all levels of the profession.

Of the process, Executive Director Harold Finley said, "Entering the process of an industry-wide survey is equal parts scary and hopeful. You hope for the best but brace yourself for the worst. Factoring in a pandemic and anything is possible. With fear held in check we knew that we needed to find out where we are at as an industry in 2023. Many of the participants had survey fatigue, but they still wanted their voices to be heard.

As directors our work is seen but our voices are not often heard; we are leaders, artists and (mainly) freelancers and we are vulnerable. This survey is important because it is a tool to amplify the voice of a profession, which is often taken for granted or exploited. Like many in theatre our love for the art is often used as a tool to batter, weaken, and exploit us. Data is crucial in pushing back against poor pay, socio/economic discrimination, and other forms of exploitation.

Overall, I hope the survey inspires pride in our resilience, and belief that we can create a better future not only for ourselves but also for the next generation of directors and the generation after that."

According to Finley, the four main takeaways from the results are:

  1. 28% of respondents are seriously thinking of leaving the profession.
  2. Female artistic directors have less control of budgets and the budgets they do control are smaller than those of their male counterparts.
  3. Asian/Asian British and Black/African British make up only 1.73% of respondents, while making up 8% and 3.5% of the population of England and Wales.
  4. The average directing job pays £3,151.76; 77% of jobs paying under £4,000, 52% paid £2,000 and 34% paid under £1,000.

The full survey can be found at: https://stagedirectorsuk.com/sduk-directors-census-2023-in-full/

SDUK Directors Census 2023 - In Full - Stage Directors UK



Michael D. Xavier To Star In ROMAN HOLIDAY, The New Cole Porter Stage Musical Photo
Theatre Royal Bath Productions, by arrangement with Paul Blake and BFI Productions, has announced that the acclaimed West End leading actor Michael D. Xavier will star in the UK premiere of the brand new stage adaptation of Roman Holiday, when it opens at Theatre Royal Bath from 10 June this year.

STEPHEN SONDHEIMS OLD FRIENDS to Release Live Album Photo
The star-studded Sondheim's Old Friends concert will release a live album! 

Cast Set for WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS Photo
The cast has been set for the world première of Jack Thorne’s play When Winston went to War with the Wireless at Donmar Warehouse. See who is starring and how to purchase tickets!

Photos: First Look at RUDDIGORE At Wiltons Music Hall Photo
Peter Benedict's smash hit production of Gilbert & Sullivan's RUDDIGORE at Wilton's Music Hall must end this Saturday, 25th March.  Check out production photos here!


More Hot Stories For You


STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Featuring Bernadette Peters, Michael Ball & More to Release Live AlbumSTEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Featuring Bernadette Peters, Michael Ball & More to Release Live Album
March 22, 2023

The star-studded Sondheim's Old Friends concert will release a live album! 

Stephen Campbell Moore & Adrian Scarborough to Star in WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESSStephen Campbell Moore & Adrian Scarborough to Star in WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS
March 22, 2023

The cast has been set for the world première of Jack Thorne’s play When Winston went to War with the Wireless at Donmar Warehouse. See who is starring and how to purchase tickets!

Photos: First Look at OF MICE AND MEN at Birmingham RepPhotos: First Look at OF MICE AND MEN at Birmingham Rep
March 22, 2023

Birmingham Rep have released first-look production images from their brand-new production of the stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Of Mice and Men, which runs at The Rep until Sat 8 Apr 2023.

Photos: First Look at KILLING THE CAT at Riverside StudiosPhotos: First Look at KILLING THE CAT at Riverside Studios
March 22, 2023

Get a first look at Killing the Cat, opening tonight at Riverside Studios. Performances run 17 March - 22 April. Check out the photos here!

 Patricia Allison Leads Timberlake Wertenbaker's Stage Adaptation of JULES AND JIM at Jermyn Street Theatre Patricia Allison Leads Timberlake Wertenbaker's Stage Adaptation of JULES AND JIM at Jermyn Street Theatre
March 22, 2023

Jermyn Street Theatre has announced that Sex Education star Patricia Allison is to take the role of Kath in muti-award winning playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker's adaptation of Henri-Pierre Roché's autobiographical wartime novel Jules and Jim.