In 2014 the Fonds Podiumkunsten (Performing Arts Fund NL) launched the Fast Forward program: talent within an international context, which offered artists chance to expand their ambitions abroad. They get the opportunity to work together with successful foreign producers to develop a show or concert.
Tin Men joined the program in 2016, working with London-based producer Ed McKeon of Third Ear and various external partners. The project spans three years and involves six residencies in various prestigious institutions across the UK. To date, these have included Snape Maltings, Oxford University, the Royal Birmingham Convervatoire, Trinity Laban London and Sage Gateshead.
Each residency is a collaboration with different theatre makers whose expertise in stagecraft, dramaturgy and the techniques of immersive theatre have proven extremely valuable to Tin Men’s work. It is a rare opportunity for the band members, programming team and partners to spend a week focusing on generating ideas, efficiently creating prototypes and trying them out immediately on test audiences each night. Through the Fast Forward trajectory, Tin Men have found kindred spirits in the UK’s vibrant immersive theatre scene and are reaching an enthusiastic audience beyond the regular jazz concert goers.
