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Can Theatre Be Green?The arts are playing an important and evolving role in developing sustainable practices and many artists are updating their practices to reflect more progressive and environmentally conscientious attitudes. Because of its collaborative nature and potential for impact, theatre has been getting a lot of attention as the next frontier in sustainability in the arts. In consequence, theatre big and small has been making headway into greening and sustainability. In Septembre 2008, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson launched ‘Green Theatre: Taking Action on Climate Change' a plan committing the city's theatre community to reducing carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025. It isn't surprising that London is home to Arcola Theatre, set to be UK's first carbon neutral theatre by 2012. The road to a sustainable theatre is not easy nor cheep–Arcola has purchased a 5kW Gencore fuel cell to provide their power and go off grid. Consequently, it will limit Arcola Theatre's power consumption, requiring innovation and originality in staging productions. In New York, the Broadway Green Alliance, established in 2008, is leading large Broadway productions toward more sustainable theatre. In an industry where time is money, the BGA faces an uphill battle in changing long held beliefs and practices. The BGA encourages its members to recycle props, sets and costumes, and to adopt more energy efficient lighting equipment. Closer to home, The Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building, has provided a sustainable theatre space for The Great Canadian Theatre Company since 2007. GCTC has taken the LEED certification of their new home at heart instituting green initiatives to further reduce their environmental impact, such as reusing lightly used programs and composting organic waste years before the City of Ottawa instituted its residential composting program. Sustainable touring is a challenge that the Ottawa based Otesha Project is addressing face on. A youth-led organization that seeks to create local and global change, Otesha tours throughout Canada on bicycles to present their plays and raise awareness to environmental concerns. Theatergoers also have a part to play in building sustainable theatre. Ecologically conscious transportation to the venue is an important first step to a greener theatre experience. As always–walking, cycling and public transit are the preferred methods of travel. If these are not possible consider car-pooling, it may also save you money on parking and gas. To reduce print material and paper waste ask to be removed from mailing lists and stay informed of future productions by e-newsletters. Additionally, only take one program and share it–and be sure to return your gently used program so it can be reused. See you at the theatre! For more information on these groups please visit: London's Green Theatre Plan For more tips on sustainability at the theatre and at home visit: www.broadwaygreen.com/theatre_fans CAO Staff
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