The Royal Court Theatre has announced a significant reset of pay and terms for freelance creatives, introducing substantial fee increases and a new charter designed to improve working conditions.
The changes will see directors and joint set and costume designers’ fees in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs double between March 2025 and April 2027.
Fees for directors will rise from £9,000 to £18,250, while joint set and costume designers will see their fees increase from £7,850 to £15,800.
In the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, equivalent fees will increase by more than 50%, rising from £6,900 to £10,550 for directors and from £6,050 to £9,250 for joint set and costume designers.
All other core creative roles across both spaces will receive one-off increases of between 25% and 50%.
The theatre has also confirmed a significant uplift in playwright fees, with payments in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs being brought in line with those in the Downstairs space.
From 2027, playwrights will receive the same upfront commission of more than £15,000 before royalties, regardless of where their work premieres.
Alongside these financial changes, the Royal Court has launched a new Freelance Charter, committing to improved conditions for all freelancers.
This includes increased pay transparency, enhanced induction and wellbeing support, and strengthened reporting systems, including anonymous options for raising concerns.
A dedicated freelance policy and reporting hub is set to launch on the Royal Court website in July.
Artistic Director David Byrne and Executive Director Will Young said: “We all need a Royal Court where everyone can make their best work, optimistic about new writing and the future. This is an invitation to artists and freelancers: the Royal Court will support you, artistically and financially. The commitments we’re announcing today are not easy and are significant for our budgets, but they’re vital. It’s our hope that, if this is achievable even in difficult times, then here with us surely anything can feel possible.”
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