about

The Future is an artist-centred development collective, which focuses on the growth and development of Contemporary/Experimental Theatre and performance artists. The Future collaborates with artists to make shows, projects and installations and actively supports, produces and provides free dedicated arts administration to existing and early-career contemporary artists/theatre companies. The Future is run by a collective of independent producers, administrators and project managers.

OUR AIMS

The Future aims to develop and assist talented artists and companies; and administrates, produces and finds funding for their work. Operating from our office in Manchester, the core organising team – administrator, producers and director – work closely with the artists involved to provide assistance with creative development and arts administration; including production, marketing, web development and tour booking support.

The Future offers bursaries and rehearsal space; and shares resources knowledge and ideas. We aim to be complementary and work closely with other organisations to address gaps in provision. The Future also offers professional development opportunities and has close connections to several venues, festivals and organisations.

WHO WE ARE

lisaLisa Mattocks – Director

Lisa Mattocks is a creative technologist & freelance artist; with experience in theatre production, performance and project management. Lisa currently works with Quarantine, Reckless Sleepers & Trace Theatre. In the past she has worked with Tim Etchells, Michael Pinchbeck & Proto-type Theater and was one of the founding directors of Flare Festival. She has toured work nationally and internationally to over 50 different venues, including: The Lowry, Royal Exchange, LICA, Curve, Sadler’s Wells, Northern Stage, The Arnolfini, Festival de Otoño en Primavera (Madrid), Festival a/d Werf (Utrecht), Sibfest (Sibiu), and ACT (Bilbao).

jennyJenny Gaskell – Producer

Jenny is an independent producer and mischief maker.  She produces contemporary performance In May and works regularly with Live at LICA to tour experimental performance to non-theatre locations in Lancashire.  Jenny is currently creating a project called The Game Show Arts Fund and co-created feminist project 100 Deeds with Art with Heart.  Jenny has worked with: Quarantine; Contact; Chris Thorpe & Hannah Jane Walker (with Ric Watts); The Lowry; The Library Theatre Company; Fergus Evans; Box of Tricks. She co-founded Lost & Found Festival.

  • Working with The Future was an absolute privilege. You were completely responsive to our needs throughout the process, both in terms of things we requested directly and things you just understood us to need. I’m so grateful for the energy and passion that you contributed tirelessly from start to finish. When we worked with the Future, things really started to happen. You showed us the right way to do things. When you were involved, there was progress. Having you in the rehearsal space was a Godsend, we made the most headway when you were directly involved. I’d describe our relationship as a collaboration, I felt like part of a team at a crucial time. You are calming, resourceful and adaptable. It is a wonderful feeling to know that there are people who’ve got your back, whatever the circumstances (or the time of night!).”
    Nicki and Sara
  • Can we just say how grateful we have been of your support this year, we really couldn't have had stepped up as a company without it. We have been so very happy with your advice and the marketing contributions, you really nailed the designs of the poster and tour pack. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    Massive Owl
  • Thanks for everything you both did to get this show on the road. It happened and I couldn't have done it without you. You truly went above and beyond the call of duty. I didn't once feel petrified. I felt part of a team, which is a credit to what you are creating with the future. Keep going.
    Lowri Evans