Frequently Asked Questions
How do you commission writers?Do you only work with East Asian writers?
How do you create your work?
Where do you rehearse and how often?
What is the current staff structure of your company?
How is the company funded?
Does Yellow Earth take on work experience placements?
Can I come and meet members of the company to assist the research for my essay or dissertation?
What is your artistic policy?
How do you commission writers?
Usually the Artistic Director (AD) will see a play or have read a script that is of interest and wants to explore that further. Recommendations for interesting writers also come from the Literary Associate, who reads most of the unsolicited scripts that are sent to the company. The AD and writer then meet to discuss possible collaboration. Sometimes the writer will invite the AD to see a show that is on, and sometimes it is the writer’s agent.
Do you only work with East Asian writers?
The company works with writers from a variety of backgrounds. We prioritise East Asian writers to redress the current under-representation in British theatre; however, we recognise that a quality script about East Asian experience can come from anywhere. The keys are research, authenticity, cultural sensitivity, imagination and quality.
How do you create your work?
Through workshops, collaboration, improvisation and text. Physical theatre, dance, music, video and design have always played an important part in Yellow Earth productions.
Where do you rehearse and how often?
We hire rehearsal space in London for each production. Rehearsals for our tours are usually for 4 weeks.
Productions:
Workshops are available on all our productions and are led by Yellow Earth’s Education Associate. We set up the workshops in conjunction with the theatre, school or college, and the content is planned working closely with the staff at the school and the Education Dept. in the theatre. We offer both half day and full day workshops, and they usually take place at a time prior to the performance. The size of the groups can vary, depending on the nature of the production and the age of the participants.
Education packs:
The workshops are closely linked to the production, and there is teaching material available for the education staff.
Post-show discussions:
Yellow Earth company members are always keen to take part in post-show discussions at venues. These provide an open forum for questions and answers in an informal setting, allowing audiences a greater insight into the process of making Yellow Earth’s work.
Year round workshops:
We offer a variety of workshops throughout the year that include writing and seminar discussions.
We rehearse when we are creating new work and also to workshop ideas for future productions.
What is the current staff structure of your company?
The staff structure is:
Philippe Cherbonnier: Co-Artistic Director
Jonathan Man: Co-Artistic Director
Susannah Kraft: General Manager
Ann Cross: Administrator
Abby-Lee Widger: Financial Administrator
Kumiko Mendl: Education Associate
Cecilia Finet: Development and Fundraising
Mark Wu: Interactive Associate
When we create a new production and go on tour, then we take on actors, creative team and crew. The company can then expand to as many as thirty people.
How is the company funded?
Yellow Earth is in receipt of fixed term revenue funding from Arts Council London. The other main source of income is through fees and box office splits, and we also fundraise and try to get in-kind sponsorship for individual productions. regularly advertise through SBS, use Spotlight or talk to other companies, and occasionally, we work with casting directors or advertise in PCR, Castweb, etc.
Does Yellow Earth take on work experience placements?
We take on students who are nearing the end of their course as well as recently graduated. They are usually young directors who want to go on to have a directing career and they work closely with the Artistic Director throughout the rehearsal period and into production. We also regularly have interns on placement with the company who are interested in marketing and administration.
Can I come and meet members of the company to assist the research for my essay or dissertation?
We are always happy to help out in any way that we can. However, we would advise you to look at our website as rehearsals and productions mean that we cannot always offer time to meet up to discuss research questions.
