Dipen Jobanputra, the founder of the unique and community-driven theatre group, Second Degree, has cultivated a space where access to culture, theatre, and art is made possible for people from diverse backgrounds.
The concept of Second Degree originated from his personal experiences navigating a world of culture and opportunity that, for many, seems out of reach. It is a business, but Jobanputra insists it’s more of a passion project, designed for those who truly appreciate the theatre.
The idea behind Second Degree is simple: offer quality theatre experiences to a select community, with a focus on shared connections and mutual trust. Initially, it was a side hustle, a passion project that allowed him to indulge in theatre while building meaningful connections and over the years he has carefully curated a group of like-minded people who wanted authentic experiences in the world of theatre, art, and culture.
A community-driven model
Unlike public ticketing platforms, Second Degree operates on an invitation-only basis. Members must attend at least two shows before they can invite others, ensuring a close-knit community. This exclusivity is by design, Jobanputra explains.
“I was taking financial risks, buying tickets in bulk, handling payments, so I needed to trust the people I was dealing with. I also didn’t want to deal with constant last-minute changes or unreliable attendees.”
While many people seek discounted theatre tickets, he prioritises quality over price. “I don’t do cheap tickets—I do the best tickets. I want to see the acting up close, to experience the show properly. If someone just wants the cheapest seats, this isn’t the group for them.”
The growth of Second Degree has been slow but intentional. Jobanputra had the opportunity to scale quickly, but he chose to keep it manageable. Now in its 18th year, it has grown to more than 450 theatre lovers who want to experience the best of London’s cultural scene.
Diversity in theatre: A matter of quality
Jobanputra stresses that the focus of the conversation shouldn’t just be about diversity in casting but about quality performances. Whether an actor is Black, Asian, or white, what truly matters is their talent and craftsmanship.
He said, “Theatre is available and accessible, but many South Asians still don’t attend. When I saw Much Ado About Nothing with Meera Syal in the lead, half the audience was Indian. That tells me they know where the theatre is—they’re just waiting for ‘one of us’ to be on stage.”
Ultimately, he sees theatre as a platform for all kinds of talent, and access to it should not be limited by background or privilege. It’s about nurturing talent, supporting underrepresented communities, and providing opportunities for young people who may not have the financial backing to pursue a career in the arts.
“I love seeing South Asian actors on stage, but what really matters is talent”, he stressed.
The future of theatre
Jobanputra acknowledges that the future of theatre is uncertain, especially in the face of cost-of-living crisis and cheaper entertainment options available. “Even among my members who love theatre, attendance has dropped. People who used to go five or six times a year now tell me, ‘My mortgage costs have tripled. I have to be selective about how I spend on tickets.’”, he said.
For smaller companies, especially South Asian theatre groups, survival is even harder. “Unless they have deep-pocketed investors who aren’t chasing commercial returns, it’s difficult to sustain these productions long-term”, Jobanputra added.
Yet, he remains hopeful, “Theatre will always have a place, but it needs support—not just from investors, but from audiences willing to engage with it.” He has personally invested in over 50 West End productions.
His model, which is community-based, exclusive, and focused on building genuine connections—could offer a blueprint for the future of theatre, making it more inclusive, diverse, and accessible.
In a world where cultural access can be a privilege, Second Degree has managed to carve out a space where diverse communities can come together, not just to watch theatre, but to build a more inclusive and equitable experience for all.
