You are a theatre company based in Edinburgh, can you tell us about how and when you started?
We began Bare Productions in 2018 and we started as a small scale company putting on productions at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. From day one, we placed storytelling at the core of all we do.
I started the company with a team of people around me and we continue to have a very wonderful board of members and a fabulous production team. So although I lead the business, it is a massive team effort.
You also launched the Bare Academy in 2020. What classes are available?
We’ve worked with wonderful people from the industry, for example we had a dance class with Strictly’s Joanne Clifton!
A wide-range of classes: vocal, dance, movement, acting, acting through song, production elements and audition prep workshops. We have also previously ran queer-centic classes such as Dancing in Heels.
It’s so important for allies and corporations to bring to life the voices of those often unheard or underrepresented.
Can you tell us more about the community aspect of Bare Productions?
We believe that community is vital. It has huge impacts on our wellbeing and we find that our members’ wellbeing is greatly improved by connection. Being in the same room with other like-minded individuals has a huge impact on our confidence and happiness.
Can you explain what Bare Towards Better is and how the idea for it came about?
We wanted to do more than just productions.
We want to have a point of view and we are constantly striving for equality, diversity and inclusion. This includes everything from resource packs to workshops with local charities; seminars and ensuring that every story we tell is as authentic as possible.
Our resource packs are formed by our EDI officers. We create these to help public audiences and members educate themselves further on a range of topics.
We have worked closely with Scotland’s HIV and AIDS charity; Waverly Care for a number of years. We fundraised alongside them and have been lucky enough to receive some wonderful seminars from them which helped ensure the storytelling in our musical RENT was accurate and authentic.
How can people who don’t identify as LGBTQIA+ be better allies?
Listen, educate yourself and continually learn! Do your own research, believe LGBTQIA+ individuals when they tell you their stories. And of course, support local artists!
Why is it important for corporations to amplify LGTBQIA+ voices, and why is it important to celebrate pride?
It’s so important for allies and corporations to bring to life the voices of those often unheard or underrepresented. It gives a wider platform for stories to be heard and most importantly for public opinion and actions to change for the better.
What’s your favourite Pride memory?
Our Kinky Boots cast in 2022 getting to perform on the main stage at Edinburgh Pride – an incredible memory!
This year, we performed at Planet for Pride, check out our social channels to see some of the video clips.
What’s next for Bare Productions?
We have our EdFringe 2024 production of Into the Woods – you can grab your tickets here. We also have an upcoming cabaret called “This is Me” all about identity and being your true self.
