The Business of Theatre: World Theatre Day and Enterprise Lessons

Happy World Theatre day to you all! I know, you may be thinking, theatre… enterprise… how do the two link and has someone posted this to the wrong site? We know it may seem odd to link enterprise with theatre, but when you think about it, it just makes sense. Theatre is a huge industry with so many businesses, contractors, freelancers and a huge number of customers each year.

Theatre has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, serving as a form of entertainment, education, and social commentary. Additionally, theatre is a huge contributor to the UK economy, contributing billions each year (according to the Office of National Statistics).

World Theatre Day, celebrated annually on March 27th, is an opportunity to celebrate the power of theatre and its contributions to our society.

However, it is not only theatre enthusiasts who can benefit from this day. Business professionals can also learn valuable lessons from the theatre industry, particularly when it comes to the importance of soft skills and adaptability.

In many ways, the theatre industry mirrors the business world. Both require a team of trained professionals who possess the necessary skills to achieve their goals.

Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability are just as important in the business world as they are in theatre. The ability to think creatively and problem-solve is also crucial for success in both industries.

Soft Skills:

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable people to effectively navigate their environment, work well with others, and achieve their goals. In the theatre industry, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial to the success of any production. Actors must work together seamlessly to create a believable and entertaining performance. They must be able to communicate effectively with each other and with the director to ensure that the play runs smoothly.

Similarly, in the business world, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability are also important. Employees must be able to work together effectively to achieve the company's goals. They must communicate well with each other and with customers to ensure that the business runs smoothly. A lack of soft skills can result in misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a lack of productivity in both industries.

Improvisation:

In theatre, improvisation is the art of creating a performance spontaneously without a script. Actors must be quick on their feet and able to adapt to any situation that may arise during a performance. They must also be able to work with other actors to create a cohesive and entertaining performance.

In the business world, improvisation is also important. Employees must be able to adapt to changes in the market or changes in the company's goals. They must be able to work with others to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems that may arise. The ability to improvise and adapt is crucial for success in both industries.

Problem-solving:

In theatre, problem-solving is the art of finding creative solutions to any problems that may arise during a performance or the creation of a performance. Actors, directors, and other members of the production team must be able to think on their feet and come up with solutions quickly to ensure that the show goes on.

Similarly, in the business world, problem-solving is crucial. Employees must be able to identify and solve problems that may arise in their work. They must be able to think creatively and come up with solutions that are effective and efficient. The ability to problem-solve is crucial for success in both industries.

Conclusion:

The parallels between the theatre industry and the business world are undeniable. Both require a dedicated team of trained professionals who possess the necessary skills to bring their respective visions to life. The use of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial to success in both industries, as is the ability to problem-solve and think creatively. World Theatre Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of these skills and how they contribute to success in both the theatre industry and the business world.

For business owners, World Theatre Day serves as a reminder of the importance of soft skills in the workplace. The ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively with others, and adapt to changing circumstances are essential qualities for any successful business owner. The theatre industry provides a model for how these skills can be effectively employed in a high-pressure environment to achieve a common goal. Learning, or developing these soft skills should be a priority and this is your sign to act sooner rather than later.

For theatre fans, World Theatre Day is a celebration of the power of theatre to transport us to different worlds, challenge our beliefs, and entertain us. It is a reminder of the hard work and dedication of the actors, directors, designers, and crew members who bring these productions to life, and the importance of supporting the arts.

In both cases, World Theatre Day provides an opportunity for reflection on the importance of soft skills and the value of a dedicated team of trained professionals. By embracing these principles, businesses can create a culture of success, while theatre fans can continue to enjoy the magic of the performing arts for years to come. Ultimately, the similarities between the theatre industry and the business world underscore the importance of these skills in our daily lives, and the power of the arts to inspire and challenge us.

We hope you all have an amazing World Theatre Day, whether you are a business owner, theatregoer, or perhaps you are both!