• I’m an active Equity member, currently working in different roles as an actor, a director and variety artist. As a performer I act, sing and compere or host both as myself and in character as the illustriously glambolic Titania Trust.
• I’m approachable, open and I believe that actions are better than words.
“I know there are many things that can take priority at the moment. From finding the next job, to earning a wage and worrying about the future both with the pandemic and Brexit in mind. This year has also shown us how our industry can pull together and support and look after one another. But I urge you to use your vote so your voice can be heard.”
Use your vote – you make the Union stronger by ensuring your voice is heard.
Ballot papers have been sent out with the Equity Magazine,
vote and post back asap (ballot open 1 June to 8 July).
If you have not received your ballot papers and election information,
call Equity on 020 7379 6000.
Passionate about all the roles and people of our industry
I am passionate about all aspects of live performance, having worked in different roles both on and off stage. I am also passionate about fairness, equality and ensuring fair representation; importantly giving platform to the voices that need to be heard.
Aware of issues and causes
I’m aware of the issues in our industry as someone who actively seeks work and enjoys networking and getting to know people. I am also aware of the challenges we have faced, currently facing and that I will listen for what is to come. We’ve not only the pandemic to consider but also life post-Brexit which will significantly affect our working rights and mobility.
An active member
I am very active on by local Branch committee as Branch Secretary for the East Anglia Variety Branch. I am also proactive with our Branch Regional Benevolent Fund with small grants, to ensure local members got some financial help.
I have developed all Branch communications, ensuring news from head office is relayed in different forms using different channels online, on paper and importantly face-to-face and word-of-mouth.
I am also a member of Equity’s Variety, Circus and Entertainer’s Committee.
Please explore the other pages of my website if you would like to know more about me.
You could also follow me on Twitter @josephballard
and feel free to contact me with ideas or questions using my contact page or email me direct.
I am proud to have been proposed by Jimmy Cricket and seconded by Dawn Hope.
Election statement
As a variety artist I have worked in different areas of the sector from venues, tours, TV and theatres from compering, singing and as Titania Trust. I’ve been a member since 2005 and active with my branch as Secretary, presenting campaigns and events to help members and profile our Union. I’m also on the Variety, Circus and Entertainers Committee.
As freelancers often working on our own and in these challenging times, we need to work together to ensure agreements are upheld with expectations for a new world post pandemic. I want to ensure our Union represents Variety in its widest sense, with established members supporting the younger ones and vice-versa, keeping relevant, responsive and proactive.
I’ll keep voicing value of the arts, from venues to social and wellbeing benefits and the economical. It’s about a plan for the future and profiling variety and the needs of our members.
Variety
I perform as a vocalist and comedy act within Music Hall Shows, and in Variety Shows and the entertainment and theatre circuit. I also enjoy the sketches, monologues and traditional patter of the bygone days.
Aside from Equity
I live in Norwich, Norfolk. I have also lived in different areas across the region including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
I am Director of Norwich Fringe, having resurrected it during lockdown in 2021. I also successfully bid for and was awarded a Project Grant from Arts Council England to ensure Norwich Fringe develops with creatives and theatre makers in mind. We have done with this a robust training and development programme, as well as a Norwich Fringe Festival for 2021. The project also includes commissioning opportunities for local creatives and theatre companies, so we can distribute funds of the grant to others.
I have run my own theatre companies (including New Stages) since 2005, focusing on community work that responds to issues in the local community, along with classes and education programmes for all ages.
I am also a playwright of plays and pantomime.
I have worked in the arts and theatre industry in different roles, with experience as a CEO, Artistic Director of organisations and venues, from arts centres to theatres and festivals.
I also worked for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for 4 years, ensuring the whole of the East of England was engaged with activity and its legacy as Regional Inspire Programmer for the East of England.
I have also been a trustee for various charities and I also volunteer for different local organisations and causes.
I believe in getting involved – if something is a problem, not to complain or add to it – but to step up and make change yourself.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website and I hope you vote in the Equity elections. Our Union is only as strong as those who take part in its democratic process, whoever you vote for.
Download a campaign poster (to share on Facebook, Twitter, Insta, online or by email).
To download it, click on it using your right-hand mouse button and click ‘save as’. Thank you!
Please explore the other pages of my website if you would like to know more about me.
You could also follow me on Twitter @josephballard
and feel free to contact me with ideas or questions using my contact page.
Joseph Ballard, performer, actor, theatre maker and playwright, based in Norfolk. 