ARTIST LAB 2023 | Get labelled: Parents in Theaters!
an evaluation lab of Ag Tanz und Elternschaft (Dance and Parenthood working group)

In July 2023, we launched our new Artist Lab together with ZTB e.V.
In exchange with artists, networks and initiatives and in cooperation with two Berlin venues, we are developing criteria and best-practice models that enable parents interested in dance and theatre to participate as an audience. To this end, we are also evaluating formats that have emerged during the pandemic since 2020. We are developing a ‘Kids and Caregivers – Rider’ and a family-friendly label. The results of the funded Artist Lab will be presented on 20-21 October 2023 at the meeting of the nationwide Artist Labs B.A.L.L. at Kampnagel in Hamburg.

The starting point for the labs was the question:

How can cross-generational understanding and acceptance of families and children as audiences grow in the theatre? In front of, on and behind the stage?

In the experimental field of several labs from July to September 2023, we, Ag Tanz und Elternschaft, have exchanged ideas with our international network of dance professionals and individual Berlin venues and developed a Kids & Caregivers Rider that encourages events and formats in the dance sector and the performing arts to be accessible to an audience of parents, carers and families. Together with the Berlin venues Radialsystem and Tanzfabrik as part of Tanznacht, we have each organised a pilot event to test and evaluate strategies and formats for a family-friendly event setting..

Four phases shaped our evaluation of the situation and development of the Rider:

Ask the network: What best practice experiences have you had in dance and the performing arts? What worked, what didn’t and why? Which methods and formats emerged during the pandemic that promote accessibility??
Dialogue: Discussions/interviews with event organizers on family-friendly criteria
For the future: Testing and evaluating formats with venues
Be the utopia: Art action — What would going to the theater with children ideally look like? ?

We have compiled best practice examples, suggestions and ideas for the Rider based on the following questions:

What circumstances make it easier to attend a performance with children and which formats are particularly suitable for families and caregivers?

• Formats where free movement and individual interruptions are possible or where there is a level of background noise. Events which are free of charge or inexpensive and/or offer additional services
• Formats that take place during the day, allow for planning ahead and late entry, as punctuality with children can be difficult to achieve
• Site-specific and outdoor formats, participatory and interactive formats, installations, open rehearsals, small audiences, performances with an intergenerational and diverse cast
• Hybrid or digital formats due to time flexibility
• Plays and formats adapted to family- friendly criteria with regard to sensory stimuli and other trigger factors, among other things

Our aim is to think of dance and theatre venues as lively, open and permeable, as places where the potential of parents, carers and children as audiences is considered and valued. Our ‘Kids and Caregivers’ Rider outlines strategies for implementing a sustainable approach to transgenerational audiences in dance and the performing arts. Broken down into relevant categories, such as communication, space, timing, pricing, formats, and more, the Rider provides concrete guidance on how to design family-friendly events. With the resources already in place, the first step can be taken NOW!