Get Involved...
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The show doesn't stop when the curtain comes down... in fact, the party has just begun.
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We're obsessive about talent development. We want to cultivate Greater Manchester as a hub of LGBTQ+ creative and cultural excellence and we’re passionate about developing LGBTQ+ creatives, producers and backstage crew through our programme First Dibs.
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We also love our community. Through workshops, exhibitions, debates, short films, mentorship schemes and post-show events, we seek to improve LGBTQ+ community cohesion by bringing different people together through creative collaboration.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Creative Talent Development
We're not saying it's an exclusive club, but you've got to be on the list be in the know about our opportunities.
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Being in the database has other benefits - we'll forward opportunities from our partners, and offer free tickets to shows, workshops and networking events too.​
Find out more about each strand of the programme below
Supported by
Accessibility
If you have any access needs please email hello@dibbytheatre.org - we're a friendly bunch and we'll do our very best to make you feel supported and welcome.
A place to connect, network and socialise
Are you an LGBTQ+ freelance theatre maker or majority LGBTQ-led start up or collective in Greater Manchester? Feeling isolated by freelance life? Want to connect, network and socialise with other like-minded LGBTQ+ people?
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Our Get Togethers are a place for LGBTQ+ freelance creatives, producers and backstage crew at all career stages to connect, network and socialise.
We'll provide structured discussions and workshops, free food and even free tickets to see a show after the event… and we'll cover the cost of public transport within Greater Manchester.
1 hour 1-2-1 drop-in Surgery sessions
Are you an LGBTQ+ freelance theatre creative or majority LGBTQ-led start-up or collective in Greater Manchester? Feel like your career is treading water? Unsure of the next step to make your next project a reality?
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Our Link Up 1-2-1 surgery sessions offer an opportunity for LGBTQ+ creatives, producers, and backstage crew to brush up their CV, or portfolio, create an action plan for a project, or set some career goals with a professional mentor.
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You can meet us in person or complete your 1 hour session online, oh, and did we mention… it's completely free to access? We'll even cover the cost of public transport in Greater Manchester!
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Next Link Up Sessions:
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TUES 27 JAN - PORL COOPER
THURS 29 JAN - ROSS CAREY (DIBBY PRODUCER)
GUEST MENTOR: PORL COOPER
In varying capacities, Porl has worked for 35 years in subsidised repertory arts venues, commercial theatre and on large scale events He's currently engaged as Senior Producer & Programmer with Your Trust, opening two new venues in his hometown of Rochdale as well as Programmer for Enable US, at the University of Sheffield's Performance Venues.
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For seven years Porl was Associate Producer at Harrogate Theatre, programming events and supporting their Associate Artist programme, as well as two years as Producer and Programmer for The Dukes Lancaster, Porl spent ten years with The Lowry and was instrumental in setting up the Developed With The Lowry talent development strand, Tour Manager at Birmingham European (BE) Festival, Artistic Associate at Cast, Doncaster and has worked with the Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield to deliver programme and talent development initiatives.
GLOW UP 2025 PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED
We're excited to announce our 2025 Glow Up Participants!
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Glow Up Your Creative Career offers 3 LGBTQ+ freelance theatre creatives in Greater Manchester the opportunity to 'glow up' an essential part of their creative career across a paid 6-day self-directed residency.
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Successful applicants receive 6 days payment (£1k fee), 3 days mentorship and up to £250 to cover essential resources and expenses.​
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We're delighted to have the following creatives in our Glow Up programme:​
Your Creative
Career
AMIR
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A multidisciplinary storyteller whose work blends humour, heart, and social insight. They create pieces that explore identity, belonging, and the quiet absurdities of modern life.
Drawing from lived experience and community collaboration, their projects often give voice to those rarely heard, finding warmth and wit in the most complex subjects.
Haley Yiu
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Haley Yiu is a queer theatre-maker from Hong Kong who aspires to be a lighting designer.
Lighting credits Include: Birdwatching (UK Tour), Jurassic (Soho Theatre, London; Martin Harris Centre, Manchester), For The Love Of Jazz (Longmore Theatre, Manchester), Before Night Falls (Teatro Libero, Palermo Italy), The Company of Wolves (New Vic Theatre).​
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Robyn Saunders (aka Robin Reeds)
Robyn Saunders (aka Robin Reeds) is a musical director and creator of the drag cabaret show High Heels & Bass Squeals. Robyn’s work explores the intersection between classical music, dance and drag artistry.
They then use this interdisciplinary art form to raise awareness of socio-political issues affecting the LGBT+ community.
Workshops
workshop series - autumn 2025
Developing a sustainable arts business, collective or individual career can be a challenge. Taking time to interrogate your practice, learn new skills, and make strategic plans is essential.
Our workshops give your career or arts business a Glow Up, aimed at helping creatives and theatre professionals have a more sustainable careers in the arts.
​GLOW UP WORKSHOP - TESTIMONIAL​
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"I came away feeling inspired, motivated, and eager to put learnings into practice, both personally and in my role within an arts organisation. It was great to be joined by fellow LGBTQ+ creatives in a welcoming and supportive workshop.
"Nathaniel was happy to answer questions, share useful insights and first-hand learnings and ensured participants understood what was being discussed. What a great start to the Glow Up series of workshops! Thank you.”
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ZAK BRETHERTON - DESIGN AND MARKETING OFFICER / EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION LEAD AT THE OLD COURTS
Community Outreach
CommunIty-led creative outreach programmes
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