MTM:UK Announces Second Annual Conference on The Creative Business of Musical Theatre

Following the success of the First Annual Conference of Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK), which saw over 150 professionals gather for the first time to talk about developing new musical theatre in 2008, the second has been scheduled to take place on Friday 6 March 2009, 9.30am – 6.00pm, at Leicester Square Theatre.

Where last years conference concentrated on discussing the development of new work in the Musical Theatre genre, the 2009 conference will this time look at the business behind that – exploring “The Creative Business of Musical Theatre”. This topic covers issues such as changing lives, changing world and the power of music, encouraging investment and business innovation, developing new business models and encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs as well as collaboration between different sectors and industries.

Delegates will be treated to a day at London’s newest theatre - Leicester Square Theatre (formally The Venue) – to listen to speakers, take part in discussions and Q&As, come up with ideas in breakaway groups as well as taking advantage of valuable networking time over teas and coffees as well as a Chinese buffet lunch, to compliment the Chinatown location, all included in the rates.

General booking is now open, with reasonable rates tailored for individuals and organisations alike, ranging from £50.00 - £250.00. Delegates are asked to book as quickly as possible as it is anticipated that the conference will become fully booked. Those wishing to join the MTM:UK network at the same time can take advantage of member discount rates.

Founded in 2005, Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) is a not-for-profit organisation established in the UK by and for professional theatre creatives/producers wishing to develop and champion new musicals, new opportunities and new writers throughout the UK. MTM:UK has three initial aims: a) to increase knowledge, b) to encourage a community and c) to champion new musical theatre initiatives. Members share one core belief: that Musical Theatre Matters.

To date, MTM:UK has hosted over 30 members meetings, as well as a number of road shows throughout the UK and workshops along with other informal networking events. They also run the MTM:UK Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

To view up-to-date details on topics and speakers, and to book your place, at the conference now, please visit www.musicaltheatrematters.org.uk/conference-09/

Notes for Editors

1. Musical Theatre Matters

MTM:UK membership is open to any professional practitioner working within the broad world of musical theatre. Individuals, organisations, TMA, ITC and SOLT members, subsidised and commercial, freelance directors, designers, choreographers and musical directors.

2. Conference Prices

General booking begins at £60.00 (Associate – Student/Apprentice/Trainee), then £130.00 (International Individual), £150.00 (Individual), £200.00 (International Organisation – for three delegates), and £250.00 (Organisation – for three delegates). Additional places can be booked for a £50.00 charge.

MTM:UK Members – and those wishing to join the network at the same time as attending the conference - can enjoy discounted rates on all the above, which include 2009/10 membership renewal to the network, via the website.

3. Location

Leicester Square Theatre is located at 6 Leicester Place, just off Leicester Square. The theatre is two minutes' walk from Leicester Square tube station, and ten minutes' walk from Charing Cross mainline station. There are also a number of local bus routes nearby. For more information, visit www.leicestersquaretheatre.com
 
4. ChrisGrady.org

Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK) is managed by ChrisGrady.org, an organisation which provides services in arts programming, training, management and consultancy. For more information, please visit www.chrisgrady.org

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Press Contact for Musical Theatre Matters (MTM:UK):

Tom Atkins - tom@chrisgrady.org

If you wish to attend part of the conference on behalf of your press organisation, then please apply for accreditation - in advance - to the email address above.