The Belgrade Theatre is thrilled to open applications for Midlands-based creatives to perform new work as part of See It First 2026, an exciting programme of new work, workshops, and conversations between artists and audiences.
· Two back-to-back evening performance slots in our underground Jag space,
· A paid opportunity to preview work ahead of touring or other performance opportunities in one of the Midlands’ top producing theatres,
· A chance to be part of See It First, a programme of new work, workshops and conversations between artists and audiences,
· The opportunity to take pictures and video of work,
· The opportunity to test work in front of an audience. We will also support with gathering feedback if needed.
· Work made by Midlands-based creatives, ideally with a connection to Coventry and the local area,
· New productions (i.e. never been seen in a full production by a public audience),
· Shows that are ready to meet a public audience, at any stage of their development.
They expect creatives applying to:
· Have already secured funding or be in the process of acquiring funding to support the development of the production,
· Have already assembled or be able to independently assemble a creative team, cast actors, and hold rehearsals,
· Provide us with copy and images for on sale,
· Be going on to further opportunities (e.g. festival or tour) or planning for this in the future.
Fee: £500-£1000, depending on the stage of development the work is currently at (find further details in information sheet below)
Context: Selina Thompson Ltd turns 10 this year and we want to celebrate a decade of art making, writing, being at stuff and our obsession with Birmingham. To do this we are hosting a party! Food! Booze! Bouncy Castles! Party Bags! And of course – performance.
The Party: The party will take place on Friday 11th September, at The Edge, Birmingham. There will be a small stage, some basic tech including access to a project, simple lighting and a sound system. There are also smaller spaces and an outdoor courtyard. Pre-visits can be arranged if useful for artists, but they are not expected. The party will take place from early evening, the STL will plan the programme responsively to the commissioned works. Commissioned artists will be expected to stay for the duration of the event.
Task: To make a ‘party piece’ that responds to one of the following five works from the Selina Thompson archive:
When we say a party piece, we either mean:
Some parameters:
The Climate Playwriting Prize 2026 will uncover the most exciting new plays about the climate crisis, and support them to find their audiences.
We believe that playwrights have a vital role to play in the conversation around the climate. Theatre is a space for animating audiences, forming communities, and experimenting with form; a space for processing the past, articulating the present, and imagining the future. In order to surface the breadth and diversity of new stories about this planetary moment, the Climate Playwriting Prize is an open invitation to playwrights to respond creatively to this subject matter. Regional and touring theatre is playing a vital role in engaging audiences, and we are partnering with organisations all around the country to deliver workshops to writers, unlocking how they might want to tell their climate story.
This moment is marked by rising temperatures, escalating impacts of change on communities and ecosystems, but also by the potential for us to transform society for a flourishing, equitable future for all life. The need for new stories that help audiences grapple with the realities and possibilities of this crisis has never been clearer
In order to surface the breadth and diversity of new stories about this planetary moment, the Climate Playwriting Prize is an open invitation to playwrights to respond creatively to this subject matter. We are partnering with organisations all around the country to deliver workshops to writers, unlocking how they might want to tell their climate story.
The winning playwright will receive:
The Climate Playwriting Prize 2026 is funded by Climate Spring
Applications open in June 2026 with the deadline in September.
Head over to the opportunity page to read all about what is expected and any requirements.
Following the announcement of Creative Wales’ investment in our innovative digital platform, we’re excited to begin exploring its potential and create a high quality, online experience for young people led by young creative voices across Wales.
We believe music is a potent creative force that feeds self-expression, personal development, and wellbeing, and with your help the Anthem Gateway can provide an essential bridge for young people to the music industry.
This month we’re starting the process of commissioning new music creators, in both English and Welsh, and offering paid opportunities to develop our next round of resources.
Whether you’re a musician or local promoter with insights to share, a community music-minded fundraiser, budding marketeer or just have something to say about the state of music today, we’re looking for young people from all backgrounds across Wales to help us tackle subjects that are relevant to you.
We provide professional development opportunities for actors, writers, artists, designers and makers from the region
We strive to be a creative hub in the city that allows for peer learning and support, nurturing a culture of shared opportunities and experiences to support in career development and sustainability.
We know that all work, at every scale, starts somewhere and that it can be incredibly difficult to access space and support to develop new work in it's initial stages.
As part of our Studio programme, we have created Open Door to new and developing professional work.
