Calling All Freelancers!

The Big Freelancer Survey 2024 launches TODAY!

Freelancers Make Theatre Work present the Big Freelancer Survey 2024, the fourth of five annual studies that aim to gather previously underrepresented data from performing arts freelancers. The survey project is the largest of its kind, having received over 10,500 responses from the freelance workforce to date.

Uniquely, this is a survey of freelancers, by freelancers, for freelancers. The dataset gathered is retained by FMTW, and all analysis and reporting is carried out for the benefit of the UK’s freelance performing arts workforce.

The 2024 survey is designed to build upon the data collected from the past three surveys, giving a trajectory of data over this period, as well as providing evidence-based insight into the current impact of the ongoing skills retention crisis facing the industry and the wider reaching cost of living crisis.

We ask performing arts freelancers to provide information about their socio-economic background and current living situation, as well as rates of pay, mental health, and workplace concerns ranging from safety and security to harassment and bullying.

Evidence-based lobbying is vital for the systemic change that is needed to build a fairer future. The information from this and past surveys is used by employers, industry bodies and government to further understand the living and working conditions of freelancers, who make up over 70% of the theatre sector.

The survey is presented in English, Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh, with introductions in British and Irish Sign Language. There is also a plain text version of the survey.

You can head straight to the survey here

The resultant Big Freelancer Report will be shared widely across the industry to help buildings and organisations further understand their freelance workforce and work together better.