For transparency, the following statement gives behind the scenes insight into how we programme shows at Cheshire Rural Touring Arts.

We receive approximately 100 emails per season, we attend shows during Edinburgh Fringe and the NRTF conference, and have further recommendations from our partners including the Northern Rural Touring Consortium, Big Imaginations, and the Rural Touring Dance Initiative.

We have 2 seasons per year - Spring and Autumn. Each season we programme 9/10 artists or companies.

We make decisions through balancing the following:

• Performance genres (music, theatre, comedy-theatre, dance, storytelling, family shows)

• High-quality shows

• Flexible, adaptable shows that fit in a range of community spaces

• Low-no tech requirements / self-sufficient shows

• Show fees that are manageable for the scheme & promoter community venues

• Artists / teams who are representative of society

• Diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

• Sharing underrepresented voices, stories and perspectives

• Arts Council England priorities

• Collaborations with our partners

• Offering something different to what’s on offer in other local venues

• And of course, making sure it’s something our volunteer promoters and their local communities would like to see on a night out – really understanding their needs.

We’re finding in this current climate, a lot of the promoters and audiences would like an uplifting, well-rounded night out, to socialise, escape, and enjoy – a show and any wrap around activities that encourage people to come out and buy tickets at a time when that’s hard.

Please send us:
Information on your show
A promo link / image
Who you are
Show cost
Technical requirements
Dates for touring

We consider all shows. If you are shortlisted we will be in contact with you.