Monday 5^th December marks an important (if relatively modest) shift as we launch a number of updates for National Theatre Wales’ online community. These will include a brand new look for the website as well as new functions that will affect the way you engage, debate and contribute to the network.

We have monitored the many ways in which you are using the community and have listened to your feedback. We’ve discussed the key needs and wants of both groups and individuals, and have come up with five key changes that will enhance the time you spend on the community. 

Over the next few weeks, I will be publishing blog posts that will work through each of these changes in greater detail. Below are some examples of what to expect.

1. DESIGN 

We are making a few cosmetic adjustments to the visual design and layout of site. We are also changing the colours for each section, and the core font. We believe these small changes will make it easier for you to find and access the content you are looking for. We are also adding a ‘translate’ button to the toolbar at the bottom of the screen, making it easier for international users to access and use the site.

2. PROFILE PAGES

As of Monday 5^th December, you will notice a number of changes to the layout of your profile page. We will have added some new profile questions that ask for a little more information about who you are and what you do, making it easier to find the kind of people your looking for. We encourage all members to update their profile, so that they can get the most of the site.

You will also see the addition of Your Dashboard. This new feature makes it easier to contribute to the community directly from your profile page.

3. GROUPS

We are creating six official National Theatre Wales groups, each of which will be moderated by a key staff member. The focus of each group will be sharing specific group-related information, whether that’s a job advert or a smaller niche debate.

4. WHATS ON

What’s On is changing - the calendar will take prime position on the homepage, and will feature all events for that day. We hope the What’s On section will become the go-to cultural calendar for Wales and beyond. We are encouraging all individuals and companies, big and small, to post their events and let the community know what’s on.

5. BLOGS & DEBATES

In order to improve and nurture debate and discussion on the community, we have removed the Forums section and are encouraging site-wide debate directly within the Blogs and Debate section. Debates will also continue within specific groups, e.g. the Writers’ group.

We would appreciate your thoughts.  To give your feedback, please click on the Feedback tab, once the 2.0 Version has launched on Monday 5^th December.